How to Make Snow Cream

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A snow day will never be the same once you know how to make snow cream! This old fashioned snow cream dessert (made especially in the south) is the perfect way to celebrate a deep white blanket of snow. Nothing is more Southern Comfort Food than Snow Cream.

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If you didn't grow up making and eating this then you are probably wondering "how to make snow cream". There are a couple of ways, none is more accurate or better than the other. They are just different ways of doing it.

There are basically two schools of thought and practice..

Can You Imagine with Thick Hot Fudge Sauce?

Snow Cream With Condensed Milk

The first option (and not the way I grew up making it) is made with sweetened condensed milk. Granted, sweetened condensed milk makes most anything taste good.

The second method is

Snow Cream with Milk and Sugar

Then, there's the version that I grew up making. Snow cream made with milk, sugar and vanilla. I'll show you how to make each one here today.

Is Snow Cream A Southern Thing?

Because of growing up with southern parents in the northern cornfields of Ohio, I can attest, none of my friends in Ohio had heard of or ever tried snow cream when I was a kid.

Now, 50 years later, that may have changed. Traditionally though, this is a deeply southern tradition.

It is a celebration of the white stuff that we see so seldom.

Is It Safe to Eat Snow Cream?

That depends I guess. You have to make your own decisions about these things. This is what my dad always told me...

Only make this when it has snowed deeply for at least 2 times this winter.
Make with a topping that is at least 6" deep.
Use only the cleanest snow. If you see bits of debris or heaven forbid, yellow snow, avoid that.
Use snow from WAY out in the yard where no one has walked yet.
Only use snow from the top layers of snow, don't get down near the ground.

The best thing to do, if you are expecting a deep snow is to set a large bowl out to catch the snow for you and then just collect the bowl when it is full.

What Does Snow Cream Taste Like?

The taste always has a fresh made hand churned ice cream taste.

The texture fluctuates with the type of snow you get (powdery vs icy) and will vary between hand cranked ice cream to an ice cream flavored slushy consistency.

Here's What You'll Need to Make Snow Cream

Recipe #1

8-12 cups of fresh snow (see snow rules above) - more depending on consistency
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla
Granulated Sugar

Recipe #2

8-12 cups of fresh snow (see snow rules above)- more depending on consistency
whole milk
vanilla

*** For this recipe, mix the milk and vanilla together and then gradually add snow until it is the consistency you prefer.

Here's How You Make Snow Cream

Collect the snow in the largest container you own.
Bring the snow in the house and working quickly, in your second largest container, mix snow and the ingredients together.
Add more for a thicker, more ice cream like consistency. Use less snow for a more watery consistency.

Can I Add Flavors to Snow Cream?

yes, of course you can. You can get very fancy with it if you prefer. Here's some ideas:

Use your blender to chop up frozen strawberries and then add some strawberry flavoring and the strawberries .
Pour some chocolate syrup over the top and mix well for chocolate flavor.
Chop up some candy bars and mix it in!
Sprinkle the top with some shaved chocolate.

How To Measure Snow

Here, my friend is demonstrating how to measure if you have deep enough white stuff to make this recipe. Haha

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How Deep Does the Snow Have to Be?

Before you harvest snow for snow cream, the snow should be at least 6" deep.

Is it Safe to Use Snow from the First Snow?

My dad always said that it isn't. I trust my dad even though he has been gone a long time.

Do You HAVE to use Real Vanilla?

If all you have is imitation vanilla, don't drive out in a snow storm to get real vanilla, use what you have.

How Long Does Snow Cream Keep?

It starts to dissolve quickly, so eat it right now. That's the joy of snow cream

Can I Freeze Snow Cream?

You can freeze snow cream, but the consistency changes once it freezes in the freezer. It's best to just make it to eat right now.

What Goes with Snow Cream?

You'll love some fresh pie with snow cream!

How about Apple Pie or Cherry Pie?

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Snow Cream

Use fresh snow that is at least 6" deep.
Only make this when it is deep for at least 2 times this winter.
Use only the cleanest snow. If you see bits of debris or heaven forbid, yellow snow, avoid that.
Use snow from WAY out in the yard where no one has walked yet.
Only use snow from the top layers of snow, don't get down near the ground.
Use your largest bowl to collect the fresh snow and then use your next biggest bowl to mix ingredients.
Make up your "batter" and then mix in snow until it is the consistency you prefer
If you know that you are preparing for a big snow, make up the "batter" by heating the sugar to help it dissolve and then put that in the fridge so it cools before adding the snow.
Here's some info on eating snow.

PRO TIP: For a bang of flavor add some coconut flavoring OR for adults, add some bourbon. You can thank me later.

Watch Me Make Snow Cream

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