Tip #301 Picture Perfect; An apple a day...

    They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Unfortunately, when recovering from severe illness and/or trauma,  I don't think a truckload of apples could have the power to do that! Don't discount apples entirely though - there are some very good uses for apples in the recovery process, however unconventional. Allow me to introduce you to the "Slushicle" and why you might like it (see picture to your right).  A Slushicle is a hybrid of a popsicle a slushy, and ice chips, and made with real, diluted apple juice.
     Why would you want a slushicle, ice, or a popsicle in the first place? Well, for starters, medications are often required in recovery the process - that's just the way it is. And, although every medication works in a different way or on a different issue, there are some very common side effects such as nausea, vommitting, and dry-mouth. Gee, isn't that wonderful? Can't wait to take the next dose (LOL)!  But I digress.... The point is that similar to ice chips or popsicles, a Slushicles can help to alleviate those symptoms in most people. And as an aside, kids love them too it seems, they're the "special popsicles" they get when they're sick that make them feel better. Who knew!
     If you have one of those fancy refrigerators at home that you can just put your glass to and magically have ice chips, that's great! In that case you might not want to make Slushicles, but then again, you might... And for those of us with magic-less ice makers, here are some of the benefit of Slushicles over traditional popsicles or ice chips. Slushicles a) are yummier, b) they don't freeze as hard as only water and so they are easy to break by hand, c) they're easier to eat than an actual popsicle - especially if you are in bed d) they make it easy to adjust the portion size for what works for you... e) because they can be crushed by hand so easily, there's no need to buy/use an ice machine, blender, slushie maker, ice pic, etc. and f) they're not high calorie, nor are they hard on the mouth for those with mouth sores from medical treatments.
      I'm sure that you could make these yummy concoctions with different kinds of juices, but beware that all juice is not created equally. Some of the more acidic juices (even straight apple juice) aren't so helpful for mouth sores, or a very upset stomach. Some types of juice/drinks freeze differently than they taste normally (iced tea becomes bitter), and some freeze harder than others, making it tricky to crush it with your fingers. And, apple juice, well, it's just good, and good for you too:)
     A slightly more unconventional way of having this apple concoction is by not "having" it at all. As it turns out, they make a great little ice pack. As long as the bag is sealed well it can take some good pressure without leaking, and without risk of frostbite. For instance, if there are sores on the back from chicken pox, or hives it's easy to put the bags where you want them to soothe the inflamed skin. And, they'll melt before the cold can do any harm. I wouldn't recommend eating them after using them as ice though.
     So, if you want to make these beauties for yourself, here's how: dilute apple juice with water (almost half and half), and put 30ml (2 Tbsp) of it in a small snack-size ziplock bag (sandwich sized in the picture above). Stick them in the freezer and then you're done. Once frozen, the ice inside the bag is very easy to break with your fingers. Dump the contents into a glass with a spoon and presto-magico, you have a slushicle.
Note: If you're planning on making them, the big trick is to let most of the air out of each bag, and to lay them as flat as possible in a tupperware container, stacked on one another before freezing. If you want to make them regularly, I'd also suggest buying a 60ml syringe (you can buy them at a home care supply place, some larger pharmacies, and/or even some vet clinics too!).
  
Happy slushicle-ing!