The Highline

I had three precious days. Just three.

Three days between my school being closed for the summer and my kids’ schools.

Three days of freedom. Of being by myself. Of indulging in the best days I can muster. Which for me, means New York City.

When I go to NYC by myself, it’s not about finding a show to go to, seeing the sights, or even eating in the hot restaurant of the week. For me, it’s all about meandering.

I leave the train and go straight outside and start by heading downtown, but after that I have absolutely no intended direction. I let the stop lights tell me where to go. I cross when a light is green and turn when the light is red. I love approaching the city like this. It takes me to unexpected places, allowing me to see things I may not have noticed if I had a destination.

I’m bound by one thing which is the train to go home, so I know at some point I need to head back uptown and every time when I reach this point in my walk, I head to the Highline. The Highline has become one of my absolute favorite places in all of New York City. For those of you not in the area, it is a public park which was once an elevated train line which stopped running in 1980. The design of this park is stunning. It’s basically a path to walk on, but the plantings, the art, the modern design, the clean lines of this beautiful elevated walk bring an unbelievable experience of peace and an aesthetic which is gorgeous. I usually get on around 14th street and the park extends all the way to 30th, where I get off and walk to the train station.

But this is a food blog, you say.

I  know. I’m getting there.

As I walk, there is really only one thing that can take this experience up a level. And that’s La Newyorkina, an incredible popsicle and shaved ice stand based on recipes from Mexico that will keep you coming back for more. Popsicles such as mango-chili and horchata. They are fantastic.

On my last walk uptown I thought it’s about time I got on that train as well. As I’m running Mommy camp this summer, I’m going to need to start getting some good recipes for homemade popsicles.

And so, melon-cucumber-lime-mint was the first attempt. My first batch was a little too minty for my brood so I may back off on the spice a bit more next time and sweeten them up with a little juice, but just think of the possibilities! And so easy to make:  whip up a smoothie in a blender- any kind really- and freeze. Done. No preservatives, no weird colors and you control the sugar. Yet, they still think it’s a treat. I know there are all sorts of fancy devices to make popsicles these days, but I just go with the ol’ fashioned plastic popsicle containers and stick them in the freezer. Yes, there are appliances that “Freeze popsicles in less than seven minutes!!” but really, I kind of think a little anticipation is worth it. Sometimes it’s good for kids to wait for things. I know it doesn’t happen much these days, but patience with the payoff of a delicious treat is a lesson in itself.

A few popsicle ideas I’d like to try:

banana-coconut milk

banana-blueberry-yogurt

blueberry-peach-yogurt

cucumber-lime

strawberry-mango-basil

cherry-vanilla yogurt

I could keep going…I’ll report back on my popsicle adventures. If you have a popsicle recipe you think I should try, please let me know!