Looking for the perfect treat to cool off with this summer? Learn how to make the perfect shaved ice!
This stuff is so much better than those red and blue snow cones that never quite had enough processed syrup in them – trust us. Oh, and you don't need to spend a fortune making them, either. In other words, there is basically no reason why you shouldn't make shaved ice, and make it often.
Shaved ice machines are pretty inexpensive these days – you can get one for about $10 or $20. But if you still can't get your hands on one, don't fear! You can make a delicious granita by adding a couple extra cups of liquid (water, juice, soda…), pouring it into a 9-by-13 inch pan and sticking it in the freezer. Every 20 minutes or so, scrape and stir the slush until it has formed tiny ice crystals and is as firm as you want it.
Want a simple and frugal syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and boiling water and one packet of your favorite flavor of Kool Aid. Once it cools, you have just about the easiest syrup ever.
Top with condensed milk, coconut cream, sour spray, li hing mui powder (salty dried plum), mocha, chocolate syrup, fruit or anything else that jumps out at you.
1. Coconut-Lime Shaved Ice
This stuff is super refreshing and incredibly easy to make. If you want, you could also use some of that frozen concentrated limeade.
2. Mocha Shaved Ice
Cocoa powder and instant coffee combine for an unexpectedly perfect shaved ice concentrate. Top with shaved chocolate, mocha, or chocolate sauce.
3. Raspberry Blueberry Snow Cones
Feel free to use any berries you have on hand for an all-natural sweet treat.
4. Cherry Cola Shaved Ice
All you need are cherries and cola to make the ultimate refreshing treat.
Basically, you can make anything that tickles your fancy into awesome shaved ice syrup. Just follow these recipes as a template and reduce your liquid in a saucepan until it is the right consistency.
Enjoy!