{Ice cube trays} Fun + economical ways to use

There are so many interesting, fun, creative and economical ways you can use the ubiquitous ice cube tray for as Lori Corbin, "The Food Coach" from ABC7 shares in the video here.

• put left over morning(or evening) brew in ice cube tray and you have coffee cubes when making ice coffee,
• freeze extra citrus juice in ice cube tray to add a splash of flavor and color to a glass of water or ice tea
• use ice cube trays to freeze pureed fruits and cooked vegetables for babies
• freeze left over fruit in ice cube tray. Great for smoothies when combined with fruit juice and yogurt
• fill ice cube trays with toppings, maybe some dips for veggies, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese or chocolate chips and sprinkles for make your own sundaes
• keep soup stock or tomato paste frozen in ice cube tray for recipes that require only a small amount of stock or paste (each regular sized cube holds 2 tablespoons of liquid, so 2 cubes equals 1/4 cup and 4 cubes equals 1/2 cup etc)
• make a speed bento nigiri sushi in an ice cube tray
• stir chopped Snickers into softened cream cheese, scoop into ice cube trays, add ice-pop sticks and freeze (no-bake desserts by Rachel Ray)

Go and reuse your ice cube trays in your own fun and creative way!

{Ice Cream Maker} :: 5 green reasons to use

It's funny how we at sunny, hot Kuala Lumpur crave and eat so little ice-cream versus our friends in colder countries. Making your own ice-cream is ...... well quite easy, and I like how Amber Byfield at Apartment Therapy Re-Nest gives her general eco-minded reasons like:

:: you get to choose your locally-produced and organic ingredients,

:: you save on packaging - reuse your airtight plastic ice cream containers,

:: you save money so your investment in an ice cream maker will eventually  pay for itself!

Now I wonder how much an ice cream maker costs here?

{Dry Ice} Safety

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. Unlike most solids, it does not melt into a liquid, but instead changes directly into a gas. This process is called sublimation. The temperature of dry ice is around minus 109° F / -78C ! {Techni Ice can also be frozen to minus 80C in blast freezer}

Dry Ice Safety Rules:

1) Children: Never use dry ice without adult supervision.

2) Storage: Never store dry ice in an airtight container. As the dry ice melts, the gas will build up in the container until it bursts. Sharp pieces of container will go flying all over the place. Make sure your container is ventilated!!! The best place to store dry ice is in a styrofoam chest with a loose fitting lid.

3) Touch: Do not touch dry ice with your skin! Since the temperature of dry ice is so cold, it can cause severe frostbite.

4) Never eat or swallow dry ice! Again, the temperature of dry ice is very, very cold. If you swallow dry ice, seek medical help immediately.

5) Never lay down in, or place small children or pets in homemade clouds of dry ice. People and pets could suffocate if they breathe in too much gas.

6) Never place dry ice in an unventilated room or car. If you are traveling with dry ice in the car, leave a window open.

7) Always wear safety goggles when doing experiments with dry ice.

8) Do not place dry ice directly on countertops. The cold temperature could cause the surface to crack.

9) Do not store dry ice in your freezer. It will cause your freezer to become too cold and your freezer may shut off.

Disposing of Dry Ice:

To dispose of dry ice, place in a well ventilated container and take it outside where small children and pets cannot reach it. Simply let it sublimate away!

Information found via NOAA, Nevada.

{Alphabet Ice Trays} Say 'I love you' in ice

Now you can say 'I love you' inside and outside the drinking glass with these alphabet and symbol ice trays. Imagine spelling out 'I love you' or 'Happy Birthday' or even your child's name in ice letters..... the possibilities are simply endless. Works as well with food, butter, cheese or Jello. Found at Spoon Sisters.

{Ice pack} Techni Ice

Techni Ice reusable ice packs stays frozen longer than most other ice packs, is non-toxic and certified food-safe and is manufactured in Australia under ISO-9002 highest international standards.

Techni Ice reusable ice pack comprises two outer layers of sandwich printed PET/LDPE blended laminate and another two inner layers of a high strength spun bonded synthetic fibre non-woven fabric which is highly durable.

The cellular configuration of Techni Ice reusable ice pack gives a regulated liberation of cooling capacity over a large surface area, which creates the ideal ice replacement and enables the ice pack to be flexible when frozen and to be cut to size.

Using a specially formulated cross-linked polyacrylate polyalcohol co-polymer refrigerant combined with a post treated trade secret formula, Techni Ice reusable ice packs can be frozen to minus 80C in blast freezers when used in dry ice applications.

In domestic household freezers. Techni Ice reusable ice packs will freeze between minus 18C and minus 21C when the freezer is adjusted to the maximum setting.

{Welcome} to Ice & Simple

Ice & Simple is Simple Business's blog to share with you what we do, what we find engaging, informative and helpful - fun, creative ideas or simple eco ideas all of us can use everyday.

Thanks for visiting!