On a hot summer day, cool relief in the form of a Mexican popsicle is only seconds away. Traditionally, our encounters with the whole-fruit paletas, made with water or milk, have been relegated to the arts district on Santa Fe, Civic Center Park, or summer festivals, but that is beginning to change as the paleta gains widespread popularity. Last week The New York Times’ minimalist master Mark Bittman shared a simple recipe for banana paletas in his article and video post “Mexican Summer on a Stick,” making it possible to enjoy the cool snack without ever leaving home. And now, grocery stores and 7-Elevens throughout the state carry the strawberry and coconut paletas of California-based Helados Mexico. No longer do we have to await the pushcart to enjoy this cool summer refresher.