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(Family Features) Whether you spend your summer afternoons sitting by the pool, splashing in the shallow end, or just soaking up the sun’s rays, part of the fun is beating the heat with a cool, refreshing snack. Heading to the freezer for a fruity ice pop can transport you from your own backyard to a tropical island, and the experience can be even more rewarding when the tasty treat is homemade.

Cool down after fun in the sun with these kid-friendly Pina Colada Sweetpotato Ice Pops, a tropical-inspired dessert made with coconut cream, sweet potatoes, fresh pineapple, lime juice, and honey.

Sure to please kids and adults alike, they’re a better-for-you option when a cold snack calls your name. as a “diabetes superfood,” according to the American Diabetes Association, sweet potatoes provide the main ingredient that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and a “sweet” flavor without the added sugar.

The ease of this summer snack means kids can help in the kitchen. While you wait for the sweet concoction to freeze, you can share this fun fact with them: The one-word spelling of “sweet potato” was adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 to avoid confusion about the potato and yam among shippers, distributors, warehouse workers, and consumers. To add to the fun facts, sweet potato is not even botanically related to a white potato; they are two entirely different species from one another.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to find more delicious summer recipe ideas.

Pina Colada Sweetpotato Ice Pops

Yield: 8 small ice pops 1/2 cup coconut cream3/4 cup mashed and cooked sweet potato3/4 cup diced pineapple2 tablespoons honey1 tablespoon lime juicecoconut flakes (optional)

Mix coconut cream, sweet potato, pineapple, honey, and lime juice in a food processor or high-speed blender. Transfer batter to freezer molds.

Place in the freezer for 3-4 hours. Top with coconut flakes, if desired.

David M. Higgins was born in Baltimore and grew up in Southern Maryland. He has had a passion for journalism since high school. After spending many years in the Hospitality Industry he began working in... More by David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George’s County. SoMDC covers every aspect of the SoMD Region and will continue to grow with the community. SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support.