Kapow Your Backyard: Mr. Freeze is Icy Hot

This is the second in a series of guest posts by Miellyn Fitzwater Barrows, entitled KAPOW Your Backyard. Hop on board as Miellyn embarks on various outdoor-living projects (and recipes) inspired by some of her favorite comic book characters. —Ed.

[divider]

It’s spring and you’re ready to go outside again, but your outdoor space, like mine, has probably become a bit neglected and uninspiring through the winter. We both need to be rescued, so here’s the second in a series of ideas for an outdoor refresh, inspired by some of my favorite super heroes (and villains). Over the next few weeks, I’ll bring you projects and recipes for SUPER outdoor living.

 

 

[divider]

KAPOW Issue 2: MR. FREEZE IS ICY HOT

Mr. Freeze (aka Dr. Victor Fries) is scientist with a tragic back story who, thanks to a lab accident, has must stay cold to survive. Obviously he’s the expert on what’s cooler than cool, but he’s fictional so… you’re stuck with me. Not to worry, though. I can show you how to stay frosty with the sizzle of summer sneaking up on us, and you won’t even have to tangle with any super heroes.

[divider]

THE PROJECT

“The Sun Gets in Your Eyes”

—or—

“I Made the Shade”

The weather’s getting warm and you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That’s great, except that those toasty rays of sun can not only threaten your beautiful epidermis, they can make you sweat. And as sexy as sweat sounds when they sing about it in songs, it’s just not good in person.

I’m sure you’ve seen the awesome little pop up tents they make for the beach. Why not get one for your yard? Set it up in a sunny corner, and fill it with some outdoor pillows for extra snugness. It’ll give you a nice little bit of shade and a good comfy place to read magazines and drink cocktails while pretending to be rich and famous. (If you are already rich and famous, good for you. We should hang out.)

On especially hot days, I like to set up our shop fan in the yard. String together a couple of extra long outdoor extension cords to make it reach your little nest. Just don’t forget to weigh down your pop tent with a few books first. We wouldn’t want that puppy to blow away. Special note: Please don’t do this if it’s raining. You might have your very own super villain lab accident on your hands, which is way less glam in practice.

It’s more than just you, you say? Well, for outdoor entertaining, you should consider a camping canopy or market tent. It would be great for backyard soirees of any size. They’re also big enough to set up furniture under, and voila, you have your own grassy living room. You might even be able to get these at your local drug store in my most favorite of all the sections: the seasonal aisle. I saw some at my local Rite Aid the other day. (I cannot tell you how handy these suckers are. I’ve used ours while working in the yard, to protect my hubby while he fixes our motorcycle, and to cover my booth at the craft fair.)

If you don’t have any trouble with commitment and you’re ready to do it up right, a gazebo might be the answer to your frosty dreams. You can get mosquito netting and sun shade accessories and make it into a little paradise right in your backyard. The one pictured above even has a bar! Sounds like the perfect spot to set up a hammock, a couch, a portable television… whatever you want, darling, it’s your fantasy.

[divider]

THE RECIPES

“Mrs. Freeze’s Mimosa Popsicles”

—and—

“Mr. Freeze’s Bloody Mary Popsicles”

The best way to serve a chilly beverage at a summer brunch? Rock solid.

Mrs. Freeze’s Mimosa Popsicles

Makes 4 six-ounce popsicles

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pulp-free orange juice
• 4 oz champagne

Combine orange juice with champagne. Stir. Pour into popsicle cups, place sticks, and freeze until frozen, approx. 24 hours.

[divider]

Any frequenter of brunch knows that you can’t have Mimosas without Bloody Marys so I bring you the…

BONUS RECIPE

Mr. Freeze’s Bloody Mary Popsicles

Makes 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (if you did Poison Ivy’s garden, you could use fresh-picked!)
• 2 pinches of sea salt
• a dash of pepper
• 1 tbs horseradish
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 2 squeezes of sriracha sauce
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 6 olives
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 tbs water

Blend tomatoes and salt in a blender until smooth. Combine pepper, horseradish, worcestershire sauce, sriracha, lemon juice, olives, vodka, and water in a small bowl. Add to tomatoes in the blender. Blend until completely combined. Pour into popsicle cups, place sticks, and freeze until frozen, approx. 24 hours.

Makes approx. 1.5 c of juice or 4 popsicles.

[divider]

This post has a companion board on Pinterest! You can find it here.

Enjoy all four installments of KAPOW:

Issue 1: Poison Ivy Tames Nature
Issue 2: Mr. Freeze is Icy Hot
Issue 3: Making Waves with Aquaman
Issue 4: Flame On with the Human Torch