It is ridiculous at the moment in South Africa – one minute hot and the next cold. All my meal planning goes out the window when I plan for warming oat bowls and steaming zoodles and then it’s all sunshine and chirpiness, or when I haul out the frozen fruit and it starts raining. At any rate I never need many excuses to indulge in something delicious! With that in mind, I’m going to represent the south and share a super easy but delicious and somewhat creamy tangerine grape pop recipe.

I must admit I’ve been leaning a bit too much on comfort food of late, because there’s nothing worse than studying for exams at such an unnatural time of year. If I had know that this would be the case I don’t think I would’ve taken up this library sciences diploma, but hopefully it will be done soon enough and then I can get back to the stuff I enjoy doing, like volunteering at the shelter or baking for fun and not procrasti-baking. Because I’m on something of a time limit I’ve been restricting myself to easy recipes and treats, and this is no exception. Because of the fruit it has the typical ice lolly texture but also a slight undertone of creaminess thanks to the chickpeas and almond butter. That’s right, protein in yer face!

Ingredients (makes 6):

• 3 tangerines, depitted if necessary
• 3/4 cup seedless grapes (I used both white and black, but prefer sweet black)
• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• 2 TBSP almond butter/tahini
• 2 tsp ginger
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp cloves
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

How-to:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth, then decant into lolly moulds. Add some grapes into the mix if desired.
2. Freeze for at least an hour, then remove and cover with homemade chocolate. Store in freezer in a tupperware.

On a side note, seeing the red nails, I just have to have a really girly rant for a moment. It only happens with red but I tend to leave red scratch marks everywhere – on the car by the lock, on the fridge handle… pretty much everywhere – so much so that everyone can see where I’ve been. Does this happen with anyone else or am I just really unladylike? Anyhow, even if you’re in the northern hemisphere snuggles in your uggs and onesies, this is still a pretty fine treat to store away for some dessert or as a lunch appetizer or something. When I’m stressed I prowl the kitchen like a crazy person for anything sweet, so these have definitely helped quell the inner beast, whilst not at all being unhealthy.

And back I go to life! Have a great Monday, one and all!