A Novelty Dessert — Vanilla Snow Ice Cream
Thursday, January 8, 2009 20:00
Winter snow storms meant one thing to me growing up — Snow Ice Cream!
It was always something that we looked forward to with every new fresh snowfall. I have no idea where this ice cream recipe originates, but I do know that my mother’s great grandmother made it for her family. It is a rich, creamy and fun novelty dessert. Over the years we have mentioned it to friends and co-workers, and no one has ever heard of it. But once they try it they all love it! It is super easy; takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, and costs only pennies per person. Plus is will be something that your guests have never had before. If you are having a winter party (or just your immediately family), this is the perfect conversation dessert.
Vanilla Snow Ice Cream
Ingredients
1 12 ounce can evaporated milk (refrigerated so it is ice cold)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 large egg, very well beaten*
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of salt
One large Dutch oven of fresh fluffy snow
Preparation
In a large chilled mixing bowl, whisk the evaporated milk, sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt, until well mixed and frothy. Set aside.
From a pristine part of your yard, patio, etc. use a large Dutch oven to scoop up a lot of fresh dry snow. It is essential that the snow is free of ice crystals and lumps (as well as other debris) so freshly fallen snow is usually best.
Using a large mixing spoon, spoon the snow into the milk mixture a couple of spoonfuls at a time. Do not stir! Instead, with the spoon, gently press the snow into the milk mixture so that it is incorporated. Keep spooning more and more snow into the milk until it begins to become solid and very firm. You may need to go back for more snow. You will know you have added enough snow when it starts to become difficult for new snow to absorb milk.
Serve immediately in chilled bowls. This ice cream cannot be frozen and served again later, so you will just have to force yourself to eat it all! This recipe will serve between 4-6 people.
*The American Egg Board states: “There have been warnings against consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs on the grounds that the egg may be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacteria responsible for a type of foodborne illness. Healthy people need to remember that there is a very small risk and treat eggs and other raw animal foods accordingly. Use only properly refrigerated, clean, sound-shelled, fresh, grade AA or A eggs.
Dee says:
January 8th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I haven’t thought of snow icecream for years! This is a precious memory I have from my childhood. Our Texas family moved to Alaska when I was a kid and we were so excited by this whole process. What fun, what a way to enjoy nature’s bounty! Beautiful and simple. Lovely food photo.
Dee’s last blog post..Luck & Resolutions
rainbowbrown says:
January 8th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Very cool! I wish – oh how I wish it snowed here. Again, very cool.
Hillary says:
January 9th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Very cool ice cream – at first glance, it looked like mashed potatoes! We’re definitely getting loads of snow here (Chicago).
Nikki says:
January 9th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
This is just too cool. Living in the SF Bay Area snow ice cream to natives is unheard of. The next time I go to the snow I just might have to try this! Thanks for sharing.
Joy the Baker says:
January 9th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
So LOVELY! I don’t think I’ll ever get my hands on snow ice cream living in Los Angeles. I must say, I’m a little jealous!
Suzy says:
January 10th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Neat recipe! I recall something like this being mentioned in the Little House on the Praire books.
Rico says:
January 12th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I really love the look of this Ice Cream and the photography takes out the imagination effort …one can even see the grains in the ice cream…lovely delicious…saw you on foodbuzz..thx for sharing
pixen says:
January 15th, 2009 at 10:06 am
wow… i knew snow can turned to water for drinking (must be very clean or the very first layer before people or pets make their markings
) but this is Amazing! I have to tried it when the next batch falls…soon I hope 
Great idea! Thank you for sharing
Share For Richness says:
January 31st, 2009 at 1:55 am
Waxing nostalgic here…my grandma used to make this for us kids several times a year during the snowy winters in Wyoming. I was privileged to share her recipe with a friend who had fresh snow in her yard. We also talked about Snow Candy… such simple things, when remembered, taste sweet in my mouth and my mind. Thanks!
Stephanie H. says:
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
We just had a lovely snowfall. I’d bookmarked this from Tastespotting awhile back, and thought of it as soon as I realized we were going to have real accumulation. So this was our lunch today. Absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing!
vincent says:
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
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Peppercorn Press says:
June 15th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Hi Vincent,
We are currently members of PetiChef and have been for quite a while. Thanks for the double invite though!