When you think of ice cream, you might be thinking that it's the last thing you'd want in the cold, snowy months of winter.
But hold on just a minute. Winter is actually the perfect time for ice cream, especially if we're talking about DIY ice cream. Because if there's snow on the ground, you're already halfway to making your own sweet frozen treat.
It's a bit of an unconventional way to make it (though maybe not as unconventional as liquid nitrogen), but it's also a great snow day activity. Just don't eat it outside if you want to stay warm!
And the best thing is that it's super easy to make, as it uses ingredients you already have at home.
Naturally, it goes without saying to only ever use clean snow for this project — the more recently it's fallen, the better.
Your best bet would be to set out a bowl during a snowstorm and let the snow fall right into it! Don't collect snow from heavily trafficked places, or from spots that you know are full of yucky stuff. And of course, avoid yellow snow!
If it doesn't snow much where you live, or if you're squeamish about the quality and cleanliness of the snow in your area, you can also use shaved ice. If your blender is powerful enough, you can try crushing up ice into a snowlike powder at home.
Check out the photos below and try this next time there's a snowfall!
Thumbnail Photo: Flickr
A snowfall is a magical time. The world gets quiet and soft, and for a little while, everything seems to stop. Ordinary places turn into magical wonderlands that just invite us to come play in them.
But did you know that snow can also make a sweet treat?
Find some fresh, clean snow, and you can make your very own ice cream!
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup milk (you can use cream for a richer experience, though soy or other non-dairy milk works, too)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 8 cups fresh snow
- Sprinkles for topping
The amount of snow you’ll need may vary depending on the density and the consistency of ice cream you like. Play around and see what works!
Add the milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt to a large bowl.
Whisk everything together until thoroughly combined and frothy.
Go outside and gather up about eight cups of fresh, clean snow.
Make sure it's free of dirt and other debris.
If you don't have suitable snow, you can also used shaved ice, or grind up ice into a powdery consistency in a powerful blender.
Scoop the snow into the milk mixture, whisking as you go.
Add snow until you get your desired consistency. The ice cream should be light and fluffy. Act fast, because snow melts!
Of course, you can cheat a bit and either pop it in the freezer or back outside if it starts to get too melty.
Scoop into bowls and top with sprinkles (or fruit, chocolate chips, or whatever else you'd like).
Enjoy… though again, do it before it melts!
Would you try eating snow with a little cream and sugar? You can also try adding other flavors and seeing what that's like.
It might seem weird to eat a cold treat in the cold weather — we were skeptical, too. But after trying it, this is pretty amazing. Just make some hot cocoa to warm up afterwards.
SHARE this unexpected winter treat with anyone who loves snow!
