Following on from yesterday’s Rainbow Unicorn Popsicles recipe, I wanted to share a quick idea that I use to minimise waste when making homemade ice lollies and smoothies. This isn’t a recipe as such, it’s more of kitchen hack for using leftover ingredients that might otherwise go to waste.
I find that when I make my own homemade smoothies, particularly slightly more fancy layered smoothies (check out my traffic light smoothie recipe or summer tropical layered smoothie recipe for examples of these) I often end up with just a bit more smoothie mixture than I need. Rather than drink more than I actually want, or tipping it away, I use this easy hack to save any leftovers for another day. The trick is simple – pour leftover smoothie mix into silicone muffin cups and freeze for yummy frozen smoothie bites that make the perfect summer snack!
I first did this when making my traffic light smoothies, and my boys loved them! Depending on how much mixture is left (and how much freezer space you have!), either pop the silicone cups straight into the freezer or place them on a small baking tray first to help hold them level. I would also avoid using paper muffin cases for this, as they tend to stick so are difficult to remove.
I also did this with the leftover mixture from making my unicorn popsicles. I couldn’t resist adding some absolutely amazing sprinkles that I received in my Blogtacular goodie bag to the yogurt mixture, don’t they look gorgeous? Probably the prettiest leftovers I’ve ever had! In case you’re curious, the sprinkles are from a lovely company called Baking Time Club which sells the most amazing sprinkle mixes I’ve ever seen. They had a stall at the Blogtacular conference this year and I went back to look at them 3 times – I need ALL the sprinkles in my life!
Once you get into the habit of using silicone cups to freeze your leftovers you’ll find more and more uses for them that go far beyond baking cupcakes. Some other foods I save in them include leftover melted chocolate (can’t have that going to waste!!) which just needs to be popped in the fridge, leftover sauces (tomato is great to freeze in small portions for making individual pizzas) and yogurt that is close to its best before date.
Do you have any clever little tricks for avoiding food waste? Comment below – I’d love to hear them!
Grace
If you liked this fun snack idea, please pin it for later! For more easy healthy snack ideas and recipes, check out the snack ideas for kids section here on the Eats Amazing blog or for more yummy frozen treat ideas for summer pop over and follow my Frozen Treats Pinterest board.
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