Sunday, January 9, 2011

I Want a Real Snow Cone

I grew up around snow. Actually, I didn't just grow up around it, I grew up in it, on it, and under it. So, when I saw this video from Chef Jason Hill on how to make snow ice cream, I was kind of upset I had never done it. I'm not usually one of these "blame your parents" people, but in this case, I really have no choice. Why didn't we make snow ice cream? Mom?

Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone that's tried this dessert, and what your experiences were. Of course, I don't have to tell you (but will), this is not something we're doing downwind from the old tire factory! You'll need to find pristine, freshly falling snow to attempt this. Enjoy!


18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Silly question - how do you measure the snow? Loose or packed? Like making snowballs, technique may make a difference.

Jim

Roz said...

I grew up in Minnesota and we made this all winter when we were kids. It's so good. We used whole milk and never measured anything, just mixed it until it tasted right. I guess we weren't fancy, because we never added the chocolate chips.

Becky said...

It's yummy! Totally fun! I only ever had vanilla, but I really liked it.

Anonymous said...

I just went to three stores and they didnt have any snow, any ideas where to purchase?

The Future Chef said...

Snow ice cream - YES!! This is a childhood memory for me! My mom tries to get around to making it every year and i've always loved it! we do the SC milk version and leave out the chocolate, but mmm is it good! Great video, Chef! :)

blog62Admin said...

HA HA HA.... we never had snow when we were young, but made "halo-halo" with shaved ice, similar to what was presented on this video. We have our own halo-halo (mix-mix) mixture which included brown mung beans, sweetened jackfruit, etc. we topped the shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk, then a scoop of violet colored sweet potato ice cream. Topped next with our version of creme brulee called leche flan and finally a cherry on top !! Hmmm, Hmmm good !!! I have done it with snow as a young adult in Toronto. This is a "must" try !

cb said...

Guess my folks were different--we never did the ice cream but instead did 'slushy' drinks with fruit juices and also would make fruit flavored sno cones with grape, cherry and orange juices. I suppose cranberry could be used today too like almost any juices. Like you always say--Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

The grandkids were just here for 18 days. We sledded, tobogganed down a ramp from the deck to the frozen lake, built snowpeople on the lake, went on a snow picnic, had a golfing party on the lake, BUT we forgot to make snow ice cream!!!! If our daughter suddenly remembers, she'll be back on the next flight!! Thanks for the reminder!
Jackie

Anonymous said...

It was actually a tradition in my household for the first really good snow. We would make it a lot. I lived in Maryland so we got a good amount of snow in the winter. It is awesome. I kinda miss it since I live in South Georgia and there is no snow down here.

Donna said...

Never heard of snow ice cream. Although I have plenty of snow outside my house, I can't imagine why I would make this. No matter how fresh the snow may seem, it's full of pollutants.

Rodge said...

Humm. I am Canadian. I am over fity. Must know something about snow. Don't know why, but I don't feel the appeal. I've never been crazy about Maple Sticks on snow. Could be a sign I hate winter. But I grinned on the dog part. :)

Yubi Shines said...

Folks, look up ais kachang! It's basically a malaysian snow cone with red beans and corn and palm seeds (attapchee) and different kinds of jellies.

Get snow, obtain above ingredients, add syrup and sweet milk, enjoy. It's one of the desserts I miss most terribly about moving away from southeast asia.

Anonymous said...

Funny, I keep hearing about snow ice cream this week. I never heard it referred to that way before and never knew anyone who ate their snow with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla or anything like that - where I grew up, we poured maple syrup over it. Now you all have me curious ... I've got plenty of fresh snow, might have to experiment. ;)

Rhonda said...

I currently live in Central Ontario Canada, and alas, for some reason, we have A LOT LESS snow than everyone else(in the world) this year. I have to admit, I am sort of grateful, because I have yet to put snow tires on my new van.

Jesse from Detroit said...

I can't believe I never thought of doing this before. Had it twice this weekend, my wife liked it so much. Must say that I felt a bit like Moses collecting manna out in the yard; neighbors must've thought I was crazy out there with a bowl and scoop.

Resa said...

I'm surprised at the commenters that have never heard of it! I grew up in TX, where a good snow was pretty rare, but we made sure to have snow ice cream. This year, we got lots of snow in MO, and had snow ice cream several times. It's a must. But your way to mix it, is too hard. I mix all my milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, raw egg (sometimes), chocolate syrup, or whatever, in a bowl, so it is fully blended, then start adding snow until it is just right. Much easier, than trying to get that vanilla all mixed in, the way you did it. But either way, it is a treat worth having.

John Phughtpeanes said...

Eating snow is a sin.

Jeff said...

Yes. My mother experimented and made this when I was young. I didn't exactly live in the country.... and I didn't exactly live in the city. I wouldn't try this where I live now because I worry about pollution. It was delicious. The texture is very unique. It's worth a try, for sure -- at least once in your life.

Freshly fallen, clean snow is required. Hey -- don't knock the yellow snow! It is a rare delicacy and can only be found if you go where the huskies go (ask Nanook!).