Really Dumb Recipe Question

Ok, I am a fairly accomplished cook and baker but here is one.  Probably so simple yet I am asking.  Icees / Slushies.  How do I make them?  Do I just put the ice in a blender and add some sugar free syrup?  And how much ice and syrup?   Is there a simple good machine that will be better than getting out the blender?  And where is the best (and least expensive) place to get the syrups?  Either locally (SouthEast Florida) or online (without paying huge shipping costs).   And, what are the best syrups out there (no coffee flavors though)?  What do you all suggest? Thanks

I'm probably not much help here...but I assume you mean slushies like the ones we used to get as kids at K-Mart or something?  Not a smoothie?  I haven't tried to make slushies, but I'd guess you're pretty close to how to do them...ice and sugar free syrup.  Maybe if you have something to make 'shaved' ice or a blender that will make very finely crushed ice, and then just pour a little sugar free syrup over the top (like the kids toy - the Snoopy snow cone machine?). I've tried a few of the DaVinci sugar free syrups and they're good.  I know there's another brand...I think it's Torino or something like that - that I've heard of, but haven't tried. I don't live in the U.S. (I'm in Indonesia), but would assume some of the big stores would carry some of the DaVinci syrups.  I bought a few at the military base commissary in Belgium  If sugar free's what you want, though, make sure you get the right ones...not all of their's are.  They do have quite a selection of sugar free syrups though.  If you can't find them locally...they can be purchased on line. Go to bariatriceating.com...they have a lot of the syrups...but more importantly...their store is somewhere in Florida.  I'm not from Florida, and I know Florida's a big place...and I don't know exactly where their store is at or where you're at...but if it's any place you can drive to, you can get the syrups there w/o paying any S&H.  I think they carry a big selection of them, too. Slushies sound like a perfect summer treat...you could even get the kids (or grand kids, neighbor kids) to eating them w/o adding a bunch of unnecessary calories to their diet!

If you are trying to make a snow cone type treat, get an ice shaver at walmart or target.  I think they also care sugar free syrups to use on the snow cone. 

I used to make a home made snow cone syrup, that was basically regular Kool Aid, mix the amount that would normally make 2 quarts into 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.   Then drizzle over the shaved Ice.

I would suggest mixing 1 tub of crystal light into a cup of water and trying to use this as a syrup.  It will probably  be a little on the thin side but should work.

Jim 

This has nothing to do with your question, just wanted to let you know that I too am Phyllis P (or at least I was before I married my DH). Weird isn't it.

you can get Torani  at cost plus stores and  Smart & final ,  with any  liquid  just add 3 parts ice to 1 part  fluid - yes I use coffee -   use a high speed blender  or  go to Target and grab a slushie maker - kinda cool  has it own base that is also used as a glass  - BUT   I love my magic  bullet  - watch for em on sale  around $50.00 but well worth it ! Smoothies tend to have a cream base , yogurt , and fruits

Becareful not to burn up the motor in you blender, if you use that... I had a cheap blender and when I put the frozen ice cubes in, it jammed the blades and I burnt out the motor.  What a bummer!  Now I have a nice Kitchen-aid blender, but I still worry about the motor!  :o}
Good luck!
Jens