We got an unexpected amount of snow on Wednesday night. We got a dusting last Friday, and that’s pretty much what we were anticipating for this week. Only when we woke up on Thursday morning, there was close to 6 inches blanketing our neighborhood. Which, I know 6-inches isn’t much for many of you guys – who regularly see feet. But, here by ocean we never seem to get amounts worthy of playing in. I don’t know if it’s the warm winds off of the water pushing the storms away, or what – but it’s been a while since I can remember this much. And, more is supposed to be coming this afternoon and evening!
We had a great day playing in the snow, making snow angels and building a snowman. The boys were little icicles by the time they came inside, so I made a pot of hot cocoa and we all enjoyed it while trying to warm up. Everyone took a nap, we watched a movie, and then went outside for more shenanigans in the snow, and to gather some snow to make snow cream. It’s basically ice cream made from snow, and it’s absolutely delicious. Snow, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla – that’s it. These ingredients combine to form something so special. And, it’s something the little ones love to help with – gathering the snow, then mixing it.
Now, I know a few of you will be saying “Eeew – she eats filthy snow that’s fallen from the sky? Off the ground? Gross” Which, I suppose if I lived in some concrete jungle in a city, then no – I probably wouldn’t advise making snow cream. But, I’ve eaten countless batches and am still here to tell the tale. No third arm has started sprouting yet! So, I’ve never concern myself with those thoughts. I will say that I’ve heard to not use snow from the first snow of the year. But, I can’t say I’ve adhered to that rule either…
This was the first time I added the seeds from a vanilla bean, in addition to vanilla extract. It really bumped it up to the next level, flavor wise. And, who doesn’t love seeing vanilla bean specks in their dessert? If you’re fortunate enough to have pristine snow on the ground in the morning – do yourself a favor and fill up a bowls worth for dessert that night. Hell, I’ve even been known to make a batch for breakfast!
Stay warm guys, have a great weekend.
Vanilla Snow Cream
10 cups clean snow, or shaved ice
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (optional)
Pour sweetened condensed milk into a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and vanilla seeds that have been scraped from the bean. Mix to combine.
Add snow. Using a rubber spatula combine the snow with the vanilla milk. It’s harder than it looks, towards the end it requires a bit of elbow grease.
Serve immediately.
Source: My BFF, Morgan. Thanks for introducing this “come-here” to so many Eastern Shore favorites over the years!
14 Comments
I don’t know how it’s possible that I’ve never heard of snow cream before! I feel like I’ve been missing out all these years
Now I need to anxiously await the next snow…
When you mentioned that last night, I thought the same! I figured I had to introduce it to the internets ASAP
Hoping to make some tonight!
Looks like you guys had a blast! My grandma used to make snow ice cream on the super special occasion that she got enough snow. It was always so good.
I am so jealous that you got six inches of snow! We only got 1 inch, but are expected to get up to three inches tonight. This looks so delicious! I think I will put a large pot outside on my patio to “catch” the snow in! We have a lot of wild critters that visit my yard (deer, foxes, raccoons, ect.), so I think I would feel better knowing that it was good, clean snow!
What a fun picture of the snow!! We call this dish Halo Halo from the Philippines and it’s pretty awesome, and ADDICTING!! I love the ice cream bowl for this photo…it’s just perfect!
My dad would make this for me when I was a kid, but he used just regular milk and a heaping spoonful of sugar. Sweetened condensed milk really sounds like its the way to go.
And I’m from Baltimore (county) and have ate this stuff for years. No third arm over here either.
Makes it so much easier! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do
ooo I’ve always wanted to make this. I would give it a try if we’d get some snow and not just freeze our butts off here.
Wow, this is such a fun idea!
My kids will love this one! I’ve never tried something like this before. Too bad we only have a little dusting of snow outside. But the winter is still young
Thanks for the recipe Laura!
Oh wow this is smart! When I was a kid I had maple snow… same idea but somehow I think this is 100 x better.
FYI, even “clean” snow in remote areas is full of bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae) and really isn’t a very safe thing to feed young children. http://www.ehow.com/about_5513100_eating-snow-safe.html
Well, the article (which, I wouldn’t consider eHow a credible source of information to begin with) compares the bacteria levels to playing in dirt, which my boys do all the time as well. The specific bacteria you speak of effects beans and tomato plants, not humans. I suppose we just like to “live on the edge!”.