August 26: Hurricane Info, National Cherry Popsicle Day

1. It will be mostly sunny today with a high temperature of 85 °F. The wind will come from the north at speeds between 3 mph and 5 mph. It will be partly cloudy tonight when the overnight low is 65 °F. The wind will be light and come from multiple directions, according to the National Weather Service.

2. Look for updates on Hurricane Irene today on Suffield Patch. Town officials will issue another statement, weather news will be announced and more information will be available today.

3. Happy National Cherry Popsicle Day! August “holidays” are certainly not lacking in the dessert department – Raspberry Cream Pie Day, Ice Cream Sandwich Day, Watermelon Day, Root Beer Float Day, Banana Split Day, Peach Pie Day and more all happening this month – but a day devoted to popsicles seems the most refreshing choice for a hot August afternoon.

Making popsicles at home can be fun and a great way to get young ones into the kitchen. Check out the following popsicle recipes!

4. Jello Popsicles.

Ingredients: 1 3-ounce package gelatin, 1 packet unsweetened drink mix, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup boiling water, diced fruit (optional).

Directions: Mix ingredients until dissolved. Add two quarts boiling water, use slightly less if adding diced fruit. Pour into molds or paper cups, add sticks and freeze.

Pudding Popsicles.

Ingredients: 1 small pudding package, 2 cups milk, small candy (like gummy bears, chocolate chips or sprinkles, optional).

Directions: Mix pudding powder and milk. Add candy if desired. Pour mixture into molds, add sticks and freeze. You can pre-mix the ingredients or layer them into the molds.

5. Popsicle molds don’t cost much, and can be found almost anywhere, including Target, Walmart or any kitchen supply store. If a store sells ice cube trays (which are also great for making tiny popsicles), you will likely find molds as well. You can even use empty yogurt containers. A lot of those same stores will have the wooden Popsicle sticks, but if they don’t, try your nearest craft store.

For a healthy twist, make your popsicles out of juice or herbal tea. You can also add blended bananas or strawberries. You can even use a food processor to blend ingredients like kiwi and just about anything else. Try this site for frozen banana mango with cardamom popsicles, frozen raspberry cappuccino popsicles, watermelon mint bars and more.

No matter which concoction you come up with, have a happy Cherry Popsicle Day!