How to Make Snow Cream
Treat Right After a Snow Storm
Have you ever tasted Snow Cream? I didn't know such a thing existed. I've heard of Snow Cones, people scooping snow off the ground and packing it on a cone, then adding flavoring to it. Snow cream was new to me.
Doing a bit of research I discovered how easy it is to make. all you need is three other ingredients that are most likely already in your kitchen: Sugar, Milk and Vanilla Extract.
Now all you have to do is wait for it to snow. If you live in the northern states, that is not a big deal. There is a new snow storm every few days. This year seems a bit colder than most. Even down where I live, we got to see snow twice. I kind of expect a third... but I digress.
Take a look at the following three steps. I think you will find this project will be fun, tasty and perfect for the little ones. They love to go out into the snow and eat it. Might as well give them some sugar they can burn off.
Step One: Collect Fresh Snow - Make sure it's not yellow
You are going to need 8 cups of fresh, clean snow. Stay away from snow that has any color to it. When you dig into the snow, make sure you don't go too deep. You might regret it when you have dirt or grass or who knows what in your snow cream.
The best time to collect your snow is during the snow storm or right after one before anything bad happens to the clean snow. If it is snowing right now, take a plate or a bowl outside and set it on the ground and catch that fresh snow.
WARNING
The first snow of the year can collect dirty air as it falls. Imagine smog in your snow cream. You may want to wait till the second snow of the season, a cleaner snow, before making your first batch of snow cream. Personally, I don't know if I will be able to wait.
Step Two: Grab Your Mixer - You can use a mixer or a wooden spoon
You will most likely need to take your mixer outside with you. Don't be afraid. Stretch out an extension cord and plug it in on the front porch or even in the driveway; wherever the clean snow is handy. If you don't have a mixer, you could use a whisk or a wooden spoon, It just won't come out as nice. You should really invest in a good mixer. They are great for all kinds of batters and doughs. Check out the following.
Step Three: Ingredients
- 8 Cups of Clean Snow
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Milk
- 2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
Mix all ingredients together till you are happy with your snow cream's texture. If you find it is not thick enough, add some more fresh snow and mix some more.
Step Four: Add Your Toppings and Enjoy - I Personally Like Hot Fudge
When mixed well enough, your Snow cream should be the consistency of soft serve ice cream. If you have ever made homemade ice cream, it comes out of the churn soft but yummy. If you want it to be harder ice cream like you get in the grocery store, you have to stick it in the freezer over night. I don't know if the same thing can be said of snow cream. You can try it if you like.
Now for the toppings. The possibilities are endless. I like hot fudge, chocolate morsels, sprinkles, or that magic shell chocolate topping. I have been known to throw M&Ms or Reeses Pieces on top. What about gummy bears? That would be fun. Then there is a whole array of nuts, dried fruits, and maybe even a spice or two. Get creative. Have fun. Most of all, enjoy a winter delicacy.
Is Snow Cream Ice Cream?
Thanks no cream is more likely a kind of snowcone. It's more like shaved ice covered in your favorite flavorings. You can add milk or cream to it to make it thicker and act more like ice cream but I don't know if he would consider a true ice cream.
This project is really a fun idea for a party or a family project when the first night arrives.