ice cubes

healthy living

Ice, Ice Baby: Creative and Healthy Ways to Use Your Ice Tray in the Kitchen

Eating healthy is no easy feat — it usually requires a little more time in both planning and preparation.

Eating healthy is no easy feat — it usually requires a little more time in both planning and preparation. But did you know that a simple ice tray can make healthy living a breeze? From smarter snacking to a good-for-you breakfast, keep reading for creative and healthy ways to use your everyday ice tray.

Smoothies
A smoothie makes a healthy on-the-go breakfast, but sometimes life is so hectic, there isn't even time to turn the blender on. Save yourself a daily mess by freezing a batch of your favorite smoothie to use at a later date. When you're ready to enjoy, let cubes defrost in a cup overnight and grab it on your way out the next day. We're loving this recipe for make-ahead coconut green smoothie cups. You can also save time by freezing yogurt in ice trays and portioning those cubes into baggies with frozen fruit — just dump the contents into the blender whenever you're in the mood for a smoothie.

Homemade Healthy Treats
Skip sugary store-bought popsicles and ice-cream treats and make your own at home. When using fresh fruit, like in this recipe for homemade berry-banana popsicles, you don't even need to add sugar. Add a little protein (and good bacteria mix) by using Greek yogurt, like in our recipe for Summer berry and yogurt ice-tray pops.

See more creative and healthy ways to use ice trays after the break!

Water

Burning Question: Why Are Ice Cubes Cloudy in the Center?

When I pulled out the ice tray to make a whiskey lemonade over the weekend, I couldn't help but notice that the ice had a cloudy white spot in the middle of it.

When I pulled out the ice tray to make a whiskey lemonade over the weekend, I couldn't help but notice that the ice had a cloudy white spot in the middle of it. This prompted me to ask: why is it that some ice I buy at the store is crystal-clear, but the frozen cubes at home in my freezer appear murky and white in the center?

Ice cubes develop cloudiness when water is frozen quickly. As ice begins developing on the surface of water, certain gases can no longer remain dissolved and begin to surface as microscopic bubbles. An already-developed outer layer of ice traps all the bubbles inside the frozen cube. Another reason for the white color may be traces of calcium carbonate or impurities, which are small and flaky in appearance but are completely harmless.

Ice makers are able to achieve a clear, see-through effect by distilling water, then freezing it in stages, and by using a mechanism that allows bubbles to be washed away as ice cubes develop.

Got a burning question? Contact us.

Wedding

Casa Quickie: Rose Ice Cubes

Hosting a bridal shower any time soon?

Hosting a bridal shower any time soon? Turn the sophistication up a notch by making some spray rose ice cubes to keep your vino or champagne cool and elegant. These beauties will turn any old ice bucket into a stunning centerpiece, and they're a cinch to make. Florist and interior design expert Jonathan Fong will give you the lowdown on how to recreate this icy confection. Plain ice cubes are so last season, don't you think?
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Halloween

Come Party With Me: Halloween Dinner — Drinks

Although there is no meat in the Halloween dinner menu, the meal is quite rich, so select a cocktail that is clean, crisp, and refreshing.

Although there is no meat in the Halloween dinner menu, the meal is quite rich, so select a cocktail that is clean, crisp, and refreshing. The classic highball is perfect because guests can choose between gin or vodka. Eyeball ice cubes are a creative and festive way to make the drink more Halloweeny. If you don't like a highball, consider using the ice cubes in another concoction. When guests sit down to dinner pour a Halloween-themed wine. As always, be sure to have plenty of water, beer, and nonalcoholic alternatives on hand. To learn how to make the eyeball highball, read more

Love It or Hate It

Frozen Smiles Ice Cube: Love It or Hate It?

While I was browsing online the other day, I came across this Frozen Smiles ice cube tray, which molds ice into dentures.


While I was browsing online the other day, I came across this Frozen Smiles ice cube tray, which molds ice into dentures. It had me in stitches, and I think it would be a hilarious prank to pull on a friend. Do you agree, or does this ice cube tray gross you out?

ice

Off to Market Recap: Ice Cube Trays

The Summer is heating up and there is no better way to cool down than with a refreshing, cold drink.

The Summer is heating up and there is no better way to cool down than with a refreshing, cold drink. Although my fridge is a newer model, it doesn't have a built in ice maker: I have to use ice cube trays to make ice. Currently I have only two trays which is problematic for entertaining, so I asked you to help me expand my collection of ice cube trays. You looked for all types of ice cube trays in fun colors and shapes. You saved your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Ice Cube Trays.

How cool are these synthetic rubber ice cube trays by Ikea? MsMO likes the long tray because she uses the skinny cubes in water bottles. However, I love her recommendation for the Fourth of July: she thinks the stars cubes would be fun in cocktails! Browse more trays below.

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

ice

Off to Market: Ice Cube Trays

The Summer is heating up and there is no better way to cool down than with a refreshing, cold drink.

The Summer is heating up and there is no better way to cool down than with a refreshing, cold drink. Although my fridge is a newer model, it doesn't have a built in icemaker. To make ice, I use ice cube trays. Currently I only have two trays, which is problematic for entertaining.

Can you help me expand my collection of ice cube trays? Look for all types of ice cube trays in fun colors and shapes. Save your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Ice Cube Trays. I appreciate your help!

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you read more

ice

Keep Your Cool With These Icy Finds

Lately, every kitchen catalog I receive insists on reminding me that Summer is just around the corner.

Lately, every kitchen catalog I receive insists on reminding me that Summer is just around the corner. One of the trends that's catching my eye is the use of ice. It seems that nothing cools down Summer like a few ice cubes. In fact there are so many icy items, I was able to compile a list for your browsing enjoyment. There were trays of appetizers on ice, salads on ice, and even martini glasses nestled in ice ($29.95). To discover all of my cool-as-ice finds, just scroll through below.

lite'n it up

Lite'n It Up Group Feature: Sparkling Water with Lemon Zest Ice

Even though summer is sadly coming to an end, I am still looking for a refreshing, low-cal drink, especially since September and October are the hot months here in San Francisco.

Even though summer is sadly coming to an end, I am still looking for a refreshing, low-cal drink, especially since September and October are the hot months here in San Francisco.

User Shanlee has shared a quick and inventive (not to mention low-cal) idea for a refreshing summer drink, that she uses to curb her wine craving.

I've been cutting calories and the best substitute for wine I've found is a glass of Calistoga with Lemon Zest Ice. It's pretty easy to do. Basically, you zest lemon or limes or both together and place a little bit in an ice cube tray and fill with water and freeze. The result are cubes of zesty citrus. Take four cubes and put into a glass and fill with your favorite sparkling water!

Sounds refreshing and oh so easy, doesn't it? I am not sure it can fill the shoes of my occasional glass of wine, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.

Not sure what zest means? Check out the definition on YumSugar.

If you have your own healthy recipe idea, share it in the Lite'n it Up Group. Need something a little more substantial? Then try this recipe for chocolate ice cubes.

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