ice trays

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!

Holiday

Thanksgiving Tip: Refill Your Ice Trays

Before a party or a big feast like Thanksgiving, there are a couple of minor — yet impactful — things I always make sure to do.

Before a party or a big feast like Thanksgiving, there are a couple of minor — yet impactful — things I always make sure to do. One is to empty the dishwasher; another is to refill my ice trays completely with fresh water. There's nothing more annoying than reaching for ice to go with water, punch, or cocktails, only to find that there's one cube left.

Add a note to your Thanksgiving planner: The morning of the big dinner, fill your trays with distilled water, which will prevent ice from appearing cloudy in the center. When guests arrive, you'll be able to serve them drinks with a just-made batch of ice. What little tasks help you stay on top of all the Thanksgiving mania?

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.

ice

Keep Your Cool - Fun Ice Cube Trays

Some of you might use filtered water, flavored water or even coffee, but do you ever think about the shape of your ice cubes?

Some of you might use filtered water, flavored water or even coffee, but do you ever think about the shape of your ice cubes? Why stick with boring squares when you can get cats, dogs, bunnies, stars, apples, jewels, and more. These cat and dog ice cube trays are $6.99 a piece or $12.99 for both. They'd make cute cubes for your summer punch, or alternatively, use the molds to make your own chocolates! They're guaranteed to be purr-fect! To check out some other great ice cube trays, scroll through the list below.

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