Sunburn soother: Aloe Avocado Alleviator (+aloe mango popsicles)

Every year, I vow that this will be a burn-free summer.  Every year (and usually within the first 2 weeks), I underestimate the power of the sun like a tan-seeking Icarus and find myself pink and pained.

In my defense, this time I looked for my sunscreen before going to market, couldn’t find it, and told myself that I’d just stay under the tent.  Surely a flowy boat-neck tee would cover most of me, anyway?

NO:

So I whipped up – literally – 3 ingredients with skin-soothing, redness-reducing, and burn-alleviating properties – aloe, avocado, and yogurt.  I slathered it on, and since when you’re burned you pretty much think the idea of anything icy sounds amazing (and “how much of one’s body can really fit into the freezer” isn’t the most energy-efficient game), I added honey and mango and froze the rest of the batch into popsicles.  Creamy, rich, and delicious – these are pops with a nutritious punch!

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado
• 1 c plain greek yogurt
• 1/3 c fresh aloe (yes, it’s edible!)
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• 1.5 c mango (fresh or defrosted)
• 2 Tbsp honey (or to taste – try the batter before you freeze to see if you’d like it sweeter!)

Directions:
In a blender or food processor, whip the first 3 ingredients until smooth (see pictures below for how to cut aloe).  Remove as much as you need to put on your burn!  (Place on top of skin; cooling will happen instantly! Leave it on until it dries and then remove with a we paper towel, or for overnight, put on an old t-shirt and shower in the morning.)  Add the mango and honey to the rest of the mixture in the blender and puree again until smooth.  Pour into popsicle holders, or use champagne glasses and spoons! (Note: they can be a bit cumbersome to get out of the glasses; paper cups would also work!)

Huge, right? Chop off bottom. Slice a section about two inches wide. Cut down the side to remove spines. Slice of the back, flat part. Using a filleting technique, run the knife under the gel to remove.   Add to blender with other ingredients! Puree until smooth. Pour, freeze, and enjoy!