🍧 Is a Popsicle Your Summer Treat of Choice? Thank the 11-Year-Old Who Invented It.

The popsicle as a snack was invented in the winter of 1905 purely by accident, courtesy of an 11-year-old San Francisco boy named Frank Epperson.

According to the story, young Frank Epperson mixed a sugary powdered drink with water and accidentally left it outside overnight. Temperatures dropped, and by morning the mixture had frozen solid with the stirring stick still inside. What seemed like a mistake quickly turned into a delicious discovery.

Recognizing its potential, Frank began selling his frozen treats around the neighborhood as a "Drink on a Stick," calling them Epsicles—a name inspired by the first two letters of his last name and the word icicle.

As demand grew, Epperson expanded beyond his neighborhood. In 1923, he began selling Epsicles at Neptune Beach, a popular amusement park nearby, introducing his accidental invention to a much larger audience.

The next time you enjoy a Popsicle on a hot summer day, give a little thanks to 11-year-old Frank Epperson—the boy who turned a frozen mistake into a summertime favorite! 🍧☀️

The following year, in 1924, Epperson applied for a patent. In his application, he described the invention as a "frozen confection of attractive appearance" that could be enjoyed without touching it by hand and without the need for a plate, spoon, fork, or other utensil. The patent even specified preferred woods for the stick, including basswood, birch, and poplar.

Eventually, Epperson's children convinced him to rename the treat after what they affectionately called it: "Pop's 'Sicle." The new name was shortened to Popsicle, and the rest, as they say, is history. 🍧✨

Epperson's children named the treat affectionately "Pop's 'Sicle."

From a forgotten drink on a freezing winter night to a global summertime sensation, Frank Epperson's accidental invention has truly stood the test of time. Today, more than 2 billion Popsicles are sold each year. 🍧☀️

HERE IS A GREAT RECIPE FOR YOU TO MAKE GREAT KETOGENIC POPSICLES AT HOME.

First, you need some popsicle molds. Here is a reusable one made from silicon offered by Amazon.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup monk fruit sweetener

• EITHER 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (buy loose dried flowers from bulks section of the Mexican markets; very affordable)

• Alternatively 8 x TAZO Passion tea bags (Chef Janine's personal favorite)

• Freshly grated zest of lime

• 1/8 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes depending on how juicy they are)

• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Enjoy Summer with Comfort Keto Popsicles!

INSTRUCTIONS

• Bring the water and monk fruit sweetener in a saucepan to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sweetener.

• Add the hibiscus flowers, turn off the heat and let the mixture steep between 15 minutes and an 1 hour (the longer you steep, the darker color and stronger flavor you get).

• Strain the syrup into a metal or glass bowl and chill on kitchen counter top first down to room temperature and then place into the refrigerator until the syrup is super cold.

• Pour the syrup into a large (at least 4-cups) liquid measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Stir in 1 cup cold water with the lime zest, juice and salt.

• Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

• Leave the popsicle mold at room temperature for about 5 minutes to get the pops out easier.

• Wrap the popsicles in plastic and store in the freezer.

Bon Appétit!

Chef Janine.