Summer is here, and that means it's time to find creative ways to beat the heat. What better way to do that than with some delicious homemade ice cream or refreshing slushies? Today, we're going to show you how to make your very own ice cream in a ziploc bag using salt and ice cubes. And if you're more of a slushy person, don't worry - we've got you covered too! So, let's dive in and discover the magic of frozen treats!

 Part 1: Homemade Ice Cream in a Ziploc Bag

Ingredients:

• 2 cups half and half
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• 1/2 cup salt (ice cream salt, rock salt, or kosher salt works best)
• Quart-sized ziploc bags
• Gallon-sized ziploc bags
• Toppings of your choice (chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fresh fruit)

Instructions:

1. Pour half and half, sugar, and vanilla into a quart-sized ziploc bag, ensuring it is sealed tightly. You can optionally choose to put it in one more bag if you're worried about potential leaks.
2. Fill a gallon-sized ziploc bag halfway with ice cubes and add the salt.
3. Place the smaller ziploc bag containing the ice cream mixture into the larger bag with the ice and salt.
4. Seal the larger bag securely, making sure there are no leaks.
5. Now, it's time to shake, shake, shake! Shake the bag vigorously for about 5-10 minutes or until the mixture thickens and turns into creamy ice cream. You can use a towel or oven mitts to protect your hands from the cold.
6. Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, carefully remove the smaller bag from the larger one, wiping off any excess salt.
7. Open the smaller bag, and now here comes the fun part! You can change the flavor of your ice cream by adding various ingredients. Here are a few suggestions:
   • Chocolate Lovers: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the ice cream.
   • Flavored Syrups: To change the base flavor completely, you can use flavored syrups like chocolate syrup or strawberry syrup.
   • Fruity Twist: Add diced fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes to give your ice cream a burst of natural sweetness.
   • Nutty Delight: Mix in crushed nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
   • Cookie Crumble: Crumble your favorite cookies, such as Oreos or chocolate chip cookies, and fold them into the ice cream for an extra treat.

 Part 2: Juicy Slushies in a Bag

Ingredients:

• Your favorite fruit juice (orange, pineapple, strawberry - the choice is yours! Natural and artificial flavored juices both work great)
• Ice cubes
• 1/2 cup salt (ice cream salt, rock salt, or kosher salt works best)
• Quart-sized ziploc bags
• Gallon-sized ziploc bags

Instructions:

1. Pour your desired amount of juice into a quart-sized ziploc bag, ensuring it is sealed tightly.
2. Fill a gallon-sized ziploc bag halfway with ice cubes and add the salt.
3. Place the smaller ziploc bag containing the juice into the larger bag with the ice and salt.
4. Seal the larger bag securely, making sure there are no leaks.
5. Time to shake again! Shake the bag vigorously for about 5 minutes or until the juice inside the smaller bag turns into a slushy consistency.
6. Remove the smaller bag from the larger one, wiping off any excess salt.

Want to turn your slushy into an adult beverage? You can add a splash of your favorite alcohol to give it a boozy twist. Here are a few ideas:

• Citrus Splash: Add a shot of vodka or tequila to your orange or grapefruit slushy for a refreshing adult treat.
• Tropical Breeze: Mix in some rum with your pineapple or coconut slushy for a taste of the tropics.
• Berry Bliss: Enhance your strawberry or mixed berry slushy by blending it with a splash of rum or berry-flavored liqueur.
• Wine Infusion: For a sophisticated twist, pour a bit of white wine or rosé into your slushy and let the flavors mingle.

Remember to enjoy these adult slushies responsibly and in moderation.

Congratulations, my friends! You've just mastered the art of making homemade ice cream and slushies in a bag. Whether you're experimenting with different flavors and toppings for your ice cream or adding a spirited twist to your slushies, these simple and fun recipes will keep you cool and satisfied all summer long.

So, gather your ingredients, shake away, and get ready to indulge in delightful frozen creations. Stay cool, have fun, and let your taste buds dance with joy!

Note: Safety is important while handling ice and salt. Always use caution and avoid direct contact with the ice and salt mixture to prevent any injuries. And remember to drink responsibly if adding alcohol to your slushies.