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Cristina Crafts: Ice Bowls

Materials:

  • 1-12 inch wide glass bowl, 5 inches high
  • 1-8 inch wide glass bowl, 3 inches high
  • Approximately 7 cups of water
  • 9 small roses with stems cut off at the neck; cut off leaves and save
  • 1 large rose with petals pulled off
  • 3 to 5 stems of fresh mint cut in half
  • 2 stems rosemary
  • 3 nasturtium cut off at the neck
  • Pansies
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Orange slices
  • Lime slices

Use your imagination and put combinations of flowers, twigs, fruits or fresh herbs you like. This is what I used to make this bowl.

Steps:
1. Insert the smaller bowl into the center of the larger bowl and make sure to center it. Weigh down the center smaller bowl with marbles, small rocks, or stones and make sure it is sitting securely at the bottom of the large bowl.
2. Slowly start to add water to fill up the space between the larger bowl and smaller bowl. If the small bowl starts to rise, add more weights and make sure to leave ¼" of the small bowl rim exposed. You do not want to cover the whole rim because it will make it difficult to lift out and remove after the water has frozen. 3. Take the flowers, leaves, and herbs and start to place them in the water between the large glass bowl and smaller one, gently press them as far down as you can. Some will float to the top, don't let that discourage you. Keep right on filling it in. You will see as you add leaves from the flowers and stems of fresh herbs it will help to keep the flowers in place as they get tangled inside them. 4. Use thin slices of limes and lemons and slide them in on the side of the large bowl where you can see them through the glass like the photo shows you. Don't worry if some of the leaves or flowers are sticking a bit out of the top of the water. Gently and carefully place the bowl in the freezer. Check the smaller center bowl yet again and adjust it back to center as it may have shifted on the way to the freezer. Freeze for about four hours or until frozen solid. To Release The Bowls:

  1. Remove the weights from the small bowl. Fill the small bowl ¾ of the way up with warm to tepid water. NOT HOT or you will crack the glass. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Play with the rim of the small bowl by trying to move it a bit and see if the small bowl becomes loose and then easily twist and remove it. If the small bowl is still stuck at this point, you can add some more warm water. Wait another 1 to 2 more minutes and try again. The moment it becomes loose, remove the small bowl and place the large glass bowl back in the freezer for 5 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, fill up your sink with 4 inches of lukewarm water (NOT HOT). After the 5 minutes are up, place the frozen large glass bowl from the freezer into the lukewarm water and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the water in the sink and fill the sink up again up to 4 inches with more tepid water. Let it sit for another 2 to 3 minutes. While you are waiting, fold a small paper towel into a 4 x 4 square and place it in the middle of a dinner plate. This paper towel will help secure the ice bowl to the plate so it won't slide.
  3. Use your hands to gently loosen the ice bowl from the glass bowl. When it starts to twirl easily you can tilt the large glass bowl to one side and the ice bowl will come out easily. Make sure you use both hands to lift it. Place it on the plate with the paper towel and place it back into the freezer for at least 20 minutes. You can either use the ice bowl immediately or cover it with plastic wrap and save for when you do. Will keep nicely for up to a month.
  4. When ready to use your beautiful ice bowl, remove the sorbet or ice cream from the freezer and let sit for 5 minutes to soften. Scoop out as many as you need to fill your bowl. Place back into the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes just to harden up the sorbet or ice cream. You are now ready to serve!
  5. You can make your own sorbet and I do, but Häagen-Dazs has these amazing flavors! The newest Blueberry Cabernet is out of control, and the peach, mango and raspberry is outstanding. Intense real berry taste that is not to sugary, just refreshing!

Tips:
Be careful because if you get too excited and don't pay attention, the bowl could...

  • Slip out of your hands while transferring.
  • Slide off the dish.
  • Leak water if you take it out of the freezer too soon.
  • Crack on the sides if you're not careful when you take it out of the freezer.

Get more great crafts and recipes from "Home & Family" on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/hallmarkchannel.

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