This year has been a VERY snowy year for my family and friends in the Idaho and Utah area. Particularly in the tiny town I grew up in in Idaho. They have had 10 snow days already this year and we’ve probably still got at least another month or two before the snow will let up for the year. The last time it snowed this much there was when I was a kid in the mid-nineties. We had a ton of snow days back then too and I LOVED doing all sorts of snow activities all day like sledding, making snow angels and building forts and snowmen.

One of my favorite activities at all was catching freshly fallen snow in a bowl to make snow ice cream aka snow cream! My mom used to help us make it and it was so delicious! It seemed like the perfect way to end a day of playing in the snow. It is similar to a snow cone but tastes like vanilla ice cream. Have you ever had this treat? Maybe I should have written this article a couple months ago before all the snow came, but I’m quite certain at least my friends in Idaho will still get a storm or two to try this out.

It is very simple because you just pretty much mix in sweetened condensed milk to your fresh snow, but keep in mind it melts pretty quickly so you have to work as quickly as you can! If you are really planning ahead you can actually freeze your bowl(s) ahead of time so they are cold to begin with and place it outside to begin catching snow.

What About Snow Being “Dirty” From the Environment?

Should you have any concerns about possible pollutants in your snow, scientists suggest that the longer the snowstorm, the safer the late-falling snow will be. Avoid collecting snow off of grass, roads, or roofs, as they may contain dirt. Placing the bowl on an elevated, level surface is the probably safest way to collect fresh snow.

Alternatives to Snow

What if you live somewhere like me where it doesn’t snow? You can still share this fun winter treat with your kids or grandkids by pulsing ice in your food processor until it is the consistency of snow cone snow. It should taste just about exactly the same!

How to Make Snow Cream

Ingredients:

1 (3 ½ ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

6 cups (16 ounces) packed fresh snow or shaved ice

Sprinkles or chocolate chips, for topping

Equipment:

2 large metal bowls

1 small bowl

Spatula

Whisk

Ice cream scoop

Instructions:

1. Chill the bowl and make an ice bath. Place a large bowl in the freezer to chill. Make an ice bath with a few scoops of ice cubes and cold water in another large bowl; set aside.

2. Combine flavorings. Whisk the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla together in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Gather clean snow into your chilled bowl.

4. Churn: Set the bowl of snow over the ice bath. Whisk the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the snow until combined and the consistency of ice cream.

5. Scoop into bowls and serve immediately. Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other favorite toppings.

Recipe notes:

The author does not recommend storing this, as it turns into a block of ice overnight in the freezer. This is definitely a recipe that is best when served freshly made.

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