Homemde Snow Cones

Eli's First Snow Cone

 

The other day it occurred to me to try my hand at making homemade snow cones.  We are blessed to own an incredible blender which attaches to our Bosch Mixer.  It easily crushes or pulverizes just about anything.  I simply placed ice in the blender and crushed it using the momentary speed.  (I’m not sure if this will work on every blender so use caution.)  Then we added a simple syrup that I had prepared beforehand. 

 

 

I think he is hooked on Mom's homemade snow cones!

 

Snow Cone Syrup Recipe:

1 pack Koolaid-your choice of flavor

2 c. sugar

1 c. water

Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan dissolving sugar as you stir.  Bring to a boil and remove from heat.  Allow syrup to cool and store refrigerated.  We like to store  in an Snapple Bottle.  Pour over crushed ice and enjoy. 

 

Getting serious about his snow cone.

This is a super cheap alternative to snow cones or even purchasing the snow cone syrup from the grocery store.  Fresh fruit could also be used in place of the koolaid packet or 1/2 t. of flavoring (the bottle kind you use in cooking).

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Strawberry Julius and Orange Julius

So refreshing on a hot summer day.

 

This morning I made a mistake and walked a couple of miles to the library.  At 9:00 it wasn’t that hot out but by 11:00 it was unbearably hot!  As soon as we got home I made this Strawberry Julius Smoothie recipe.  Although we had taken water along I wanted to ensure that Eli had enough fluids.  I knew this would do just the trick.  It’s a little sweeter than our typical Green Smoothies. 🙂  Oh and it tastes wonderful by the way! 

Simply combine all ingredients in a blender:

• 2 cups strawberries (about 1 container)
• 1 cup of milk (skim tastes great)
• 1 t. vanilla
• 16 ice cubes
• 1/4 c. sugar or your choice of sweetener-You can omit this but the hubby sure enjoys his with a kick of sugar. 🙂 
• Enjoy! 

If you don’t have strawberries on hand you can also make an Orange Julius. 

• 1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2 c. Cream or milk
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 4 c. ice

Both of these smoothies would make a wonderful treat for your hubby after a long hard day at work or mowing the grass.  I have such fond memories of being a newlywed and making Brandon an Orange Julius while he mowed the yard at our first house.  🙂

Homemade Frozen Coffee Drink

Yummy

Do you love Frappes and Frappucinos?  Try this simple and delicious knock off recipe.  It tastes great for a small fraction of the price.

In a blender combine:

• 1 3/4 c. ice
• 3/4 c. strong coffee
• 1 1/4 c. skim milk
• 3 T. sugar or more depending on your preference. 
• blend together and enjoy!   Add whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel to really achieve the coffee house feeling. 🙂

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Yummy pumpkin spice latte perfect for Thanksgiving week

I happen to be one of those gals who loves fancy coffee drinks.  What I don’t love is their price tag.  If you haven’t visited a coffee shop lately you might be shocked to learn that most drinks cost around $4.  One of my favorite drinks in the fall happens to be a Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I do visit coffee shops on occasion but they are a rare treat for me.  Instead I am often coming up with my own version at home.  It’s fairly simple but I’ll warn you.  Once you make one and see how easy it is it will be hard for you to plop down $4 at Starbucks. 🙂  

Ingredients:

• 2 c. milk-any will do but skim milk actually gets the most frothy
• 2 T. pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 2 T. sugar I used sucanat
• 1 T. vanilla-yes a whole tablespoon!
• 1 t. pumpkin pie spice.  If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice then I would substitute: 1/4 t. nutmeg, 3/4 t. cinnamon, 1/4 t. ginger.
• 1/2 c. hot strong coffee-you could also use 1/4 c. espresso but I don’t have an espresso machine. 

Heat milk on medium heat. Skim milk works really well as it gets nice and frothy.

Add pumpkin puree and sugar (I used sucanat which is why it is a brown color)

When it is steaming remove from heat and stir in pumpkin pie spice (or the substitution) and vanilla.

Pour in strong coffee or espresso and enjoy!

It is best topped with whipped cream and enjoyed with a friend.