Snow Ice Cream

Ben in North Carolina wrote back after trying the hot chocolate recipe. Now, he wants some snow ice cream to go with his hot chocolate. I can't blame him. What a great combination!

Dear Aunt Sally,

Absolutely Delicious! Made the recipe with the truffles. It is like dessert in a cup. Used mostly sugar free ingredients. Thank you, Aunt Sally. In the near future since Wilmington has between 4-6 inches of snow; how about a recipe for snow cream!

Ben in North Carolina 

Dear Ben,

Thank you for your kind compliment! I only wish I could see Wilmington in the snow. It's such a beautiful place.

A snow ice cream recipe is merely a suggestion. The exact amounts depend upon taste and the density of the snow. The one constant is the snow must be freshly fallen and clean.

This is the basic recipe. Adjust to your tastes. Low calorie sweetener may be substituted for the sugar. Adjust sweetener amounts according to package instructions.

Fondly,

Aunt Sally

Snow Ice Cream
1 gallon freshly fallen snow
1 cup milk or cream
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Place snow in large mixing bowl.

In another bowl, stir together the milk, sugar and vanilla.

Gently pour over the snow and stir to combine. Taste and adjust ingredients to your liking. Serve immediately. 

Variations
Follow the above recipe, but change the ingredients to one of the variations listed below. 

Dream Snow Ice Cream (tastes like a Dreamsicle)
1 gallon freshly fallen snow
1 cup milk or cream
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 - 2 teaspoons grated orange rind

Maple Snow Ice Cream
1 gallon freshly fallen snow
3/4  cup milk or cream
1/4 cup maple syrup

Fruity Snow Ice Cream
1 gallon freshly fallen snow
3/4  cup milk or cream
1/4 cup fruit syrup (strawberry, peach, blueberry, lingonberry, etc.)

Chocolate Snow Ice Cream
1 gallon freshly fallen snow
3/4  cup milk or cream
1/4 cup chocolate syrup

My yard: Snow on Cactus and Yucca

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Dear Aunt Sally, 

Do you have a recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate?

Ben in North Carolina


Dear Ben,

But of course!   First, we need some definitions.  Hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder and is less rich. Hot chocolate is made with melted chocolate and is the sweetest, smoothest thing this side of heaven. For you, my dear friend, I will give you only the very best -- Hot Chocolate!

Hot chocolate is based on ganache. Ganache is nothing more than hot cream poured over chocolate, then stirred to blend. This simple mixture can be turned into frosting, glaze, pastry filling or chocolate truffles. You know that creamy center in boxed chocolates? That's ganache. 

To make hot chocolate, take two ounces ganache (or to taste) and place in a mug. Heat one cup milk over medium heat, being careful not to scorch. Pour hot milk over ganache, stir and enjoy.

Not in the mood to make ganache? No problem! Just pop over to the store and pick up chocolate truffles. This time of year, they can be found on sale just about anywhere, including drug stores and groceries. Take about two ounces of truffles (or to taste) and chop coarsely. Then, pour hot milk over, stir and enjoy.

To make a larger batch, heat milk on stove and add truffles to the milk in the pan. Increase amounts accordingly. 
 
Fondly, 

Aunt Sally