Let’s face it. It’s July and it’s hot on this side of the equator.  While many are fanning feverishly, running to the nearest AC or complaining of the sweat that threatens their Dominican blow out…I am creating a solution.  I’ve known for a long time that I have a very different relationship to heat and the Sun.  I seek the sunniest spot and do the unthinkable…I sit in it.  I ride around with my windows down sans AC (it works) but I actually like the heated wind touching my body like warm massaging hands.  I marvel at how my skin bronzes beautifully and sweat barely seems to drip as I saunter through crowded, heated streets.  Don’t get it twisted though, I too like the feeling of coolness.   But not because I seek it in excess due to overheating, but because the temperature play on and in my body is quite….well let’s just say the Scorpio in me digs it *wink.

My friend over at Kush and Khemet Revue dedicated a post honoring her love for mangoes while growing up in Trinidad. While I did not have the pleasure of growing up in the lush tropical setting where mangoes are as plentiful as air, I did have the honor of choosing a wonderful Jamaican mother who made sure that I knew of all the goodness that mangoes bring.  It is within the mango, that I have created the solution.  Yes, the mango is my key to cool edible fun food play and perhaps your key to salvation from this incredible heat.

Mango Basil Popsicles.  An adult version of the childhood favorite, peppered with minty basil and sweetened with succulent mango pulp, frozen into one desirable treat…..(aren’t my models fabulous!)

Mango Basil Lime Popsicles

• 1 (12 0z.) bag of frozen mango halves, defrosted (Trader Joe’s)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh squeezed
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (if necessary for sweetening)

1. Blend (blender) or Process in (Food Processor)
2. Fill 3/4 full in popsicle molds, ice cube molds work as well
3. Freeze overnight
4. Yields 2 cups liquid and 2-4 popsicle molds or approx. dozen ice cubes