Old Fashioned Snow Cream Is 3 Ingredients And Uses - You Guessed It - Fresh Snow

When you're staring down your umpteenth blizzard and springtime seems like a distant dream — or if you're dealing with one last snow flurry — you may need a sweet pick-me-up that embraces one of winter's few attractive qualities: freshly fallen snow. You need snow cream — a treat that flavors fluffy snow with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. That's it; that's the ingredient list. The combination is sweet and creamy, and best of all, you can bring the snow indoors and make your snow cream in the warmth and comfort of your kitchen! So throw on your boots and coat and grab a big mixing bowl, because you're about to whip up the simplest and most fun winter dessert you haven't tried yet.

When the Chinese invented ice cream by way of frozen yogurt around 200 B.C., they may well have packed their bounty in snow to keep it chilled. Did they ever think of flavoring the actual snow for dessert? If so, the account has been lost to history. In any case, for modern all you need to do is gather some clean, fresh snow, about 8 to 12 cups' worth. A metal or glass mixing bowl will do the best job keeping it cold. Fold in some sweetened condensed milk (10 ounces will do), along with a splash of vanilla extract. Measure with your heart, as this is definitely not an exact recipe. You'll find that the thick condensed milk creates a dreamy texture and that the snow cream is deliciously sweet and light! And if you're in warmer days and want a sweet treat that brings the chill, there's a workaround that keeps snow cream relevant even in the summer.

This snow cream "recipe" is ripe for experimentation. If you mix in some cocoa powder, you have chocolate snow cream! Or add a pinch of salt or some homemade vanilla extract for a bit more nuance and complexity. If you are avoiding dairy, you could certainly doctor the formulation with your choice of plant-based milk and a couple of spoonfuls of white sugar to make up the sweetness. 

Why not stir in some mix-ins like sprinkles, Oreo pieces, chopped nuts, or your favorite candy? A tiny drizzle of crème de menthe and Ina Garten's go-to chocolate chips make a delicious snow cream that is reminiscent of a boozy grasshopper pie. If you have friends over, you could even set up a snow cream sundae bar so everyone can customize their own bowl. No matter how you make it, this treat will sweeten up even the drabbest winter day.

Craving snow cream but missing the actual snow? Don't despair. Creating finely-textured shaved ice, similar to what you'd use for snow cones, is a little labor-intensive but very doable in a home kitchen. If you have one, this is a great time to break out your snow cone or shaved ice machine. Otherwise, freeze a sheet pan of water and use a handy tool like the ARC USA Hand Ice Shaver to shave off snowy ice. It is definitely more work than just stepping outside, but it's a guaranteed way to ensure that "snow" is around when you want it, no matter the time of year.