The Chef Within

In the summer I just can’t seem to get enough water.  Even if we’re invited out and pop and flavored beverages are offered, I still choose the water.  As good and satisfying as water can be sometimes it tastes even better when enhanced with added ingredients; a splash of lemon, berry, mint, orange….the list goes on…Here’s a clever, inexpensive way of dressing up water.  Consider the different types of ice cubes you could “garnish” your water with.  Most of us have ice makers built-in to our freezers but remember the old days and older model fridges that made ice with the help of ice cube trays?  Those trays are about to be popular once again.

Round up your old trays or perhaps get some at a second hand store.  Clean them up and then fill each compartment with something.  That could be a piece of lemon, lime, orange or the rind only of citrus fruit.  Any sort of berry or a combination of berries.  Mint sprigs, edible flowers and maybe even try bits of herbs that you find pleasing;  rosemary or basil, whatever you are up to trying.  Cucumber and lemon is a good combination.  You can add bits of fruit as well.  Some peaches, nectarines, pinapple, mango….there are no limits.

Once each compartment has a bit of something in it then cover them with water or lemonade or another light colored juice so the drama and color of the fruit bit shows through. 

Once the cubes have set up…(BTW has anyone heard of a trick for getting the cubes to set up clear?  That would be ideal but they are still  beautiful as is.)

remove them from the trays and store them in a heavy duty freezer bag. 

That will prevent them from picking up freezer tastes.  If you are having friends over for dinner start the process a few days ahead of time so you have enough and can be generous with the cubes.

Another twist might be making cubes with herbal teas and coffee.  These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about the possibilities.  These ice cubes are a fun, delicious, inexpensive yet impressive way of serving water.