How to Make Snow Cream; a Winter Treat

To a kid, one of the best things about cold weather is snow. It means hours of fun building snowmen, having snowball fights and trying to build the biggest fort on the block. Like most celebrations, this one even has its own food. Snow cream isn't available any other time of year. Learning how to make snow cream is as an important part of winter.

The main ingredient is snow. The bigger the bowl the merrier the treat. It's a fun treat that kids only get to enjoy a couple of times a year. We've all heard the adage 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' and snow cream is proof of that.

Some people will advise against eating snow cream for sanitary and nutritional reasons. Others can't wait to dig in. The decision is up to each individual. Collecting the cleanest snow possible is the most important step in the process. Everything else is subject to negotiation and adaptation.

One technique is to let the snow fall for an hour or so and then place a flat pan or baking dish on a car or picnic table. They will then bring the pan inside when it is full and running over. Another technique is to wait until the snow is 6"-8" deep, remove the top layer and scoop out the middle. WRAL gives other tips on how to catch the cleanest that you can find. Look in the comments section for more ideas.

The recipe for how to make snow cream is pretty simple. The process is so easy that kids can get involved. It can be a way to keep them occupied for awhile and make for family bonding time.

The tools that you need to make snow cream are:

• 1 large pan to place outside
• -or-
• 1 4 quart bowl or larger
• 1 large mixing spoon

Ingredients are:

• Snow
• 1 Can of evaporated milk (May substitute 1 cup of regular milk.)
• ½ – 1 cup white sugar (May use artificial sweetener to taste.)
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

This is how to make the snow cream:

If you have a pan full of clean snow leave just use the pan. Otherwise, gather as much clean snow in the large bowl as you can. Collect more than you think you need. It packs down and melts quickly. You will need to work fast.

• Pour half the can of milk over snow. Stir until it is a thick consistency.
• Add vanilla
• Add sugar and the rest of the milk a little at a time.
• Stir until the mixture has a medium consistency.
• Adjust by adding more milk, sugar and vanilla to taste.

Variations on how to make snow cream include adding:

• Chocolate syrup or cocoa powder
• 2 – 3 Tablespoons of lemonade mix
• 2-3 Tablespoons of butterscotch pudding mix

Serve immediately. It will not keep more than a few minutes. Placing it into the refrigerator or freezer will not help. Once you know how to make snow cream you will want to make it over and over. This is a treat that families enjoy for generations.