Overwatch League: Los Angeles Valiant Popsicles

The Overwatch League is the first time I’ve gotten into eSports. I never thought I would find myself getting really into it and watching the games each week, but I’ve really enjoyed seeing the teams grow and adjust during each stage. One team that went through a lot of transformations is the Los Angeles Valiant. During stage three, they added Custa and Bunny to the team and Space became old enough to start playing. These changes helped the team become an extremely well-organized group. They have been doing extremely well this stage and have a pretty high chance to make it to the playoffs this coming weekend.

The Los Angeles Valiant are next up for themed popsicles. I love the color green and I enjoy the Valiant’s color scheme. While developing these popsicles, I thought matcha would be the perfect ingredient to use to achieve a green close to the team’s color. On top of loving green, I LOVE all things green tea flavored. The base of these popsicles are completely vegan. The chocolate coating can be replaced with carob to keep the recipe dairy free. These popsicles will be perfect for your next watch party and especially delicious for the playoff weekend.

Ingredients:
Popsicle
1 – 13.5 oz can of coconut milk
½ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 – 1 ½ tbsp matcha powder
½ tbsp lemon extract

White Chocolate
1 cup white chocolate chips
2 tbsp coconut oil
7 drops yellow food coloring

Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir together until the sugar dissolves.

Remove from the heat and add the matcha ½ tablespoon at a time and stir in well. I’d recommend trying it between each tablespoon. I enjoy the flavor of matcha a lot so I tend to add a bit more than you might like. Add the lemon extract and stir together.

Transfer the mixture into your popsicle mold. Place the popsicle sticks in, cover, and place in the freezer overnight (at least 12 hours).

The next day, place the white chocolate coconut oil in a bowl. Place in the microwave and heat up until it melts. Make sure to stir everything together. Add the yellow food coloring and stir to match the Valiant’s yellow color. Transfer to a tall cup (one that is wide enough to fit the popsicle in) and allow to slightly cool.

Set a plate with parchment paper on the side. Remove a popsicle from its mold. Dip the popsicle into the melted white chocolate. Sprinkle with lemon zest before the chocolate completely solidifies.

Once the chocolate sets, place on the plate with parchment paper. Enjoy immediately or wrap each popsicle in plastic to store in the freezer to enjoy later.

Overwatch League Popsicle project inspired by tweet from Jewel.