This summer I have found myself enjoying ice cream again. It’s not that I don’t enjoy ice cream, it’s just that all the Breyer’s and Dryer’s out there start to taste the same to me. It’s just a little bit of milk and sugar, some being creamer then others. And I don’t like shorbets at all. I don’t like gelatos either. I would prefer to eat fresh watermelon or canteloupes during the summer heat.

But this summer, I have discovered paletas at the grocery stores. They are Mexican ice cream bars made of fruits. Not just any fruits, but chunks of good tropical fruits too. And now this is what I call real delicious tasting ice cream!

Paletas are more like a fruit shake frozen into a bar. Some are milk based and others are water based. My favorites are the milk based one. When I was younger, my mom use to buy coconut paletas from the Mexican ice cream vendor who sold them at the farmer’s market. I really haven’t had them since.

Until recently I spotted a box at our local grocery store. La Indita Michoacana makes them with the finest ingredients. No high fructose corn syrup either! The back of the box said they are a small family owned business that uses only natural and traditional ingredients. The ice creams are made in Modesto, California. Their paletas come in 9 flavors! I have tried about 5 of those flavors already (and also gained an extra 5 pounds) and have to say my favorite is mamey and mango.

La Michoancana fruit pops at our local grocery store (in California) has 6 bars for $4. Mamey is my favorite flavor, they are so good. This week they are on sale for $3.29. That explains why I’m on my 2nd box already.

Photo: LA Times by Carlos Chavez. “Cream-based nuez (nut) paleta - with pecans - is one of the most popular flavors at Paletería La Michoacana.” Love this photo of the popsicle just coming out of it’s molding. I can just imagine how yum this particuluar ice cream bar would taste.

Mamey is a tropical fruit also known as sapote. This has to be my all time favorite tropical fruit in the world. It looks a bit like a kiwi, but bigger and the inside is dark pink to orange and taste like a mixture of all the best tasting fruits ever.

Paletas are a favorite Mexican treat. It was said to have originated in 1946 from a little town name Tocumbo. Two brothers came up with the idea and recipe in 1946. They started their first shop in Tocumbo and it became a success. And the town is prospering because of this ice cream success story. Paletas shop are now located all over Mexico, and some are in the U.S. as well. I really hope to find one in my part of the state soon.

Also found out there is a La Michoacana in Kennett Square, Penn. Wow! That is where Longwood Garden is located too. $1.50 for two scoops… much cheaper and better then Baskin-Robbins.