Viva Las Paletas

Viva Las Paletas!

Viva Las Paletas Viva! Summer is here and we all know what that means….

You scream I scream we all scream for ice-cream!

Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team, Jason Sandell and Diana Chavarro these fresh fruit lollies are made with real dairy, herbs, spices and nuts. As for preservatives or additives, you won’t find them here, they are 100% natural – Viva Las Paletas! From humble beginnings of being made in the kitchen and sold at local foodie markets, these frozen desserts are taking South Africa by storm!

Las Paletas is the Spanish name for “Ice Lolly” and typically is made from fresh fruit. Inspired by Diana’s Columbian heritage, these gourmand treats come in a variety of exotic flavours such as Pineapple and Chilli, Watermelon and Mint and Guava Cheesecake!

Guilt free indulgence

I’m a HUGE ice cream fan, so when I received this summer’s latest flavours from Las Paletas I was super excited to try them out.

From LT-RT: Chocolate, Watermelon & Mint, Pineapple & Chilli, Strawberry Sorbet, Valencia Orange, Strawberries & cream and Blueberry Cheesecake

Despite being a self-confessed chocoholic, I just had to try the unusual flavour combinations such as the pineapple and chilli sorbet. Which is great by the way, refreshing with a little bit of a tingle on the tongue. The watermelon and mint sorbet was lovely and light, not overpowering with the fresh mint. I do think I have found some new favourites such as the Blueberry Cheesecake and the Strawberries and cream.

Strawberry and Balsamic lollies

Diana generously shared her secret Strawberry lolly recipe with me. So if you’re feeling adventurous give this a try:

Makes 8 – 10 (80ml) lollies, 25 mins to make, 7 hours to freeze

Frozen Strawberry Lolly

Ingredients:

400g strawberries sliced

150g brown sugar

125ml (1/2 cup) water

30 ml (2 Tbsp) Balsamic vinegar

15 ml (1 Tbsp) Fresh lemon juice

How to make it:

In a bowl combine the strawberries and the sugar.
Mix well and let it sit for 15 minutes
Place in a pot over medium heat. Add water and let it simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Approx 5 mins
Remove from the heat and allow to cool at room temperature
In a food processor or blender, blitz the strawberries, balsamic and lemon juice until smooth
Divide the liquid between the moulds and freeze for 5 – 7 hours
After 7 hours, remove from ice loolly mould and enjoy!

If you are impatient like myself why not go buy your own ready made Las Paletas gourmet creation.

Available at selected Pick and Pays and Spars around the Western Cape, as well as various delis, cafes and restaurants.

Find them online:

www.laspaletas.co.za

Facebook: Las Paletas

Twitter: Las Paletas

Instagram: Las Paletas

Many Thanks to Las Paletas for my tasty summer treat!