Question:
Ice crushing

My blender just doesn't do as good a job as I'd like. What do you all use for making protein shakes with ice?    — Shrinking M. (posted on March 24, 2004)

March 24, 2004
I've never tried this in a protein shake, but as far as crushed ice goes, I bought a shaved ice machine from www.hawaiianshavedice.com, it makes snow! I love to have snow cones for dessert, yummy!
   — beeda

March 24, 2004
The kitchenaid is made to crush ice, but it takes longer than I'd like.
   — mom2jtx3

March 24, 2004
I don't even bother. I use a shaker cup to mix the water and powder then pour it over cubes. I am WAY to lazy to haul out a blender and clean it up everytime I have a shake (2-3 times a day). <p> Maybe you find an ice try that has a smaller cube size?
   — Ali M

March 25, 2004
My ANGEL (Patti) gave me a Back to Basics smoothy maker. And she was right it is fantastic. I put skim milk, protein powder, & ice & blend it. It's great just like a shake. All in less than 2 minutes!!!!
   — vllgmz4

March 25, 2004
I use the Back to basics Smoothie Elite, I bought it on QVC for about 50.00 and it is great, I bought it last September, and my kids enjoy frozen strawberries and frozen bananas blended with milk and a tiny amount of apple juice for a super great smoothie. It has the largest motor and is made for crushing up all that is frozen.(Including ice) I bought one for both my Mother and Mohter in law for Christmas. They are super. I just checked the QVC site and it is running right now at about 36-42.00 depending on the accessories that you get with it. The set from the link below includes a smoothie pop kit with the Smoothie Machine, this is super for left overs and the pops are very small and the perrfect size for WLS patients. It also includes a Recipe book, and I can personally say that 98% of the recipe's are excellent! Christy, Item Number K0909 Back to Basics Smoothie Plus 600 Watt Smoothie Maker http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?class=1125&cp=index&cont=sncd
   — Tiny Pixie

March 25, 2004
Another alternative-Pampered Chef makes an ice shaver that does a great job of turning any kind of liquid into a treat. It's not electric, you crank it by hand a few times, but it's cheaper because of that, and the result is terrific. I've frozen protein shakes and shaved them and they turned out like sorbet! You can freeze any liquid (or sf pudding or jello, juices, with fruit, yogurt, whatever you want) in their little tubs, and when ready, you put them in the shaver and crank it a few times. It creates a thin ribbon with a texture a lot like italian ice. An added bonus is that I've found that freezing kills the funky taste of a lot of protein additives-particularly the cheaper ones. And it's also a lot of fun trying new "recipes" for my protein intake. SF/jello, fruit, and protein supplements are the best, but I haven't found a bad combo yet. Even straight up canned shakes taste better prepared this way.
   — christied

March 25, 2004
Here's what I do....... Put ice cubes into a zip lock style baggie, fold up closed baggie into a kitchen towel and wack the living daylights out of it with a rolling-pin or similar object. it is very effective and also a great way to get out some energy (BONUS: it doesn't cost anything)!!! unfold towel, remove zip lock baggie and waa laa, crushed ice! at that point you can either put it in the blender or pour your protein shake or any other drink over it. hope this helps. -keri lap rny 12-29-03 255/200
   — Keri P.