With these hot summer days upon us, kids and adults are both in the mood for cool treats and relief from the heat!

Store-bought popsicles can be pricey, sugary, and filled with additives, but making your own icy treats keeps you in control of the content. And what's better than a fun summer activity that also produces healthy sweet treats? Try making your own popsicles at home today!

Sugar control Use fresh fruit (pureed, or diced), low-fat plain yogurt or 100% fruit juice as the base to keep sugars natural and at a minimum.

Portion control You don't have to buy the homemade popsicle kits; use plastic cups or even silicone ice trays to keep portions at your liking. Cover the cups or tray with aluminum foil, and poke wooden sticks through foil before freezing.

Studies also suggest that eating habits form at an early age, and getting kids involved in the Silicone kitchenware makes them more likely to eat the finished product.

Give kids "structured" options Plan ahead and pre-set several flavors of all ingredients. If using low-fat plain yogurt, have several kinds of diced fruit to choose from.

Be realistic Don't hide everything they love; just find healthy alternatives. If your child loves red Kool-Aid, puree red fruit or add a small amount of a red sports drink to make a great treat after summer sporting events.

Keep it fun Kids will stay interested if it is fun. Make a friendly competition out of creating the craziest flavors! This is also a great way to get kids to try new foods!

Chunky Peach Popsicles

Makes 12 popsicles.

Active time: 15 minutes Total time: 2 1/4 hours (including 2 hours freezing time)

Equipment: Twelve 2-ounce or eight 3-ounce freezer-pop molds or small paper cups with sticks

Make sure to reserve a portion of the peaches as you puree the mixture so the pops will be packed with icy cold, chunky bits of fruit. For a grown-up twist, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint, lemon verbena or basil.

All you need:

1 1/4 pounds ripe peaches (three to four medium), halved and pitted

Juice of one lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup sugar, or to taste

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

All you do:

1. Coarsely chop peaches in a food processor. Transfer 1 cup of the chunky peaches to a medium bowl. Add lemon juice, orange juice and sugar to taste (depending on the sweetness of the peaches) to the food processor. Puree until smooth. Add to the bowl with the chunky peaches and stir in vanilla.

2. Divide the mixture among 12 2-ounce or eight 3-ounce freezer-pop molds (or small paper cups). Freeze until beginning to set, about one hour. Insert frozen-treat sticks and freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour more.

*To make ahead: Store in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition facts per serving: 39 calories, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g monounsatured fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 0g protein, 89mg potassium.