Summer is in full swing in southern California. The tell tale signs of the seasons are all around. Nights are filled with friends gathering for evenings in the open air and days are spent enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. All this Summertime fun can leave you feeling tired and dehydrated. Knowing the importance of increasing water intake during summer months I decided to have a little fun with hydration.
Flower Ice Cubes. Having a few trays of these simple delights help me stay hydrated, committed to my goals and are great for last minute guests.
I went to the garden and gathered what was in season- nasturtium, pansy, rose and queen anne’s lace to name a few. Seasonal herbs like mint, basil and oregano can grow by the bunches and keep your ice cube trays full all summer. My garden was also full of flowering herbs like dill, opal basil and cilantro. Enjoy simple flower ice cubes daily or for your next event. Fill silicone trays with water and place your rinsed leaves and flowers into each cube before going in the freezer. Prep them the night before you need them and use them for up to a week. Any longer and the flowers begin to fade, ice slowly evaporates and can get cloudy. Silicone Ice Cube Trays come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing you to get creative.
The trays pictured are from Williams-Sonoma. I like to use a clear vessel to put the flower cubes on display like the simple glass pitcher from Ikea shown here. The unique champagne flutes are treasured family heirlooms, making water feel fancy. Preparing for a bright and beautiful summer can be easy with this simple solution for entertaining or everyday.
Always be careful when choosing plants for consumption. For example, Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne’s Lace look similar to the untrained eye. Flowers like Oleander are beautiful but toxic. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health and that of your guests. You can buy edible herbs and flowers at specialty grocery stores and farmer’s markets if you’re unsure.
Keep a few trays in the freezer to dress up a simple glass of water or something nice to offer guests. Flower Ice Cubes are a fun tradition we’ll enjoy for many Summers to come!
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