Snow Cream 2.0

The Little Outdoorsman finally gets to go outside!  After almost two weeks of below zero and single-digit temperatures, the cold snap is over (for now) and the snow is here with warm enough temps to play.

​Thanks be to God, because I was about to go stir-crazy-bananas.  And so was Reed.

That smile says it all.  To be honest, I prefer sled riding to picture taking.  But....
1. I wanted to remember this in pictures.
2. It was flippin' cold.
3. We made the best snow cream I've ever tasted, and I wanted to share!

Yes, TLO does appear to be in about 7 layers. Or maybe 1300.45 layers. I lost count.  A recent Bear Grylls Man vs. Wild marathon has made me acutely aware of the dangers of frostbite.  Everyone else in my life and on social media has made me acutely aware of the flu, colds, pneumonia, and the like.  So.... it's 1300.45 layers.

Our favorite sled-riding spot is at my mother-in-law's house.  She has a slope just steep enough for a 3 year old, and not too long.  It also doesn't end at the river, FYI.  But I love to walk down to the river at every chance I get.  I can sit and watch the water flow by all day long.  Sometimes, I do!

Believe it or not, Reed eventually wore out and decided to come back in.  We decided to scoop out some snow to make some snow cream- something our family loves to make at least once each year.  It is a refreshing and delicious way to use up some of that lovely, white, untouched snow.

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​Here's how we make it!

Right before coming inside, have your kiddos scoop up 8 cups (or so) of fresh, clean snow.  Emphasis on clean.  Please.
​
Yes, Oliver.  I'm talking about you.

Make sure you have all of the ingredients ready to go before you bring the snow inside.  You'll need half & half, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. ​

 Measure out 1 cup of half & half into a large bowl.

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract...

a half of a cup of sugar...

and mix that up pretty well.

Now add the snow!  You can just scoop it into the big bowl or pour the cream mixture over the snow.

Mix it all together.  Usually, that's all there is to it.

But...
We are going to take it to the next level! 
​That's typical at grandma's house.

Strawberries!  I think any fresh fruit would be fantastic.  Strawberries are just my favorite.  The colors are gorgeous together.  

Any chance I can get fresh fruit in my baby, I figure I am giving invading germs and sicknesses the 1-2 punch.

Am I obsessive about the whole sickness thing?

​Who cares!  Dump the fruit right into the snow cream and stir it in.

I can't believe this used to be snow!

It's finished!  Scoop the snow cream into serving dishes and eat it right away.  Reed feels the need to smoosh it with his hands.  I guess so he can pack more in?  He takes his snow cream very seriously.

Oh.  My.  Yum.

Reed decided to take it to the next level again.  He gets that from his grandma.

And the boy doesn't just do sprinkles.

He DOES SPRINKLES.  This is Snow Cream 2.0, after all.

And there you have it!  Snow Cream 2.0- the best snow cream this side of the Mississippi!  I like mine without the mountain of sprinkles.

We have another round of winter weather coming our way today, and I already have everything I need to make another batch.  If you are lucky enough to be in a part of the world covered in white, get out, play, and make some snow cream!  You won't regret it!

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Snow Cream 2.0
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
​- 8 cups of snow
- 1 cup half & half
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh fruit, chopped
- Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:
​1.  Scoop out 8 cups of snow, bring inside.  Begin preparing snow cream immediately.
2. Pour 1 cup of half & half into a large bowl.  Add vanilla and granulated sugar.  Mix well.
3.  Add the snow to the mixture and stir.
4.  Add the fresh fruit and stir.  Top with sprinkles.  Enjoy!

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Want to read more about The Little Outdoorsman and our family adventures?  Check these out!

The Badlands

Reed's First Hunt

That's a Lotta Sand Out There, Mommy