...wanna snow cone?
If you “wanna” a snow cone on a hot summer day or even the coolest days of fall, you are in the majority! Children and adults alike love snow cones. Whether at a country fair, or walking amid the many booths at craft shows, and ice cream places, snow cones beckon all ages. Maybe it is the sweet taste, or the cool refreshing ice cubes , melting those beautiful colors in the mouth, and changing colorful lips to trembling frozen ones, that make us all reach for a snow cone! Wandering along the streets with brightly lighted SNOW CONE signs, we can’t resist entering for an inviting snow cone!
Summer Camp in the city surely calls for snow cones. Maybe those cool mountain camps can just serve hot chocolate but the temperatures of the flat lands invite daily snow cones. At Camp Whip-Poor-Will, a snow cone machine purchased about 35 years ago for campers, still cranks up a fine and brightly colored snow cone. So special was snow cone time that a snow cone house was built from which the snow cones were served. Each day, after lunch, every group enjoyed a snow cone, with the Friday anticipation of a Rainbow Snow Cone. On a few occasions with the temperatures at nearly 100 degrees, a second cone was about the only cool down available! Happiness on a hot summer day spells Snow Cones!
The grand ole machine still works, as snow cones now are often served in the driveway of Mr. and Mrs. Whip-Poor-Will’s home for the neighborhood. They even have a Halloween Tradition begun at least 20 years ago when they filled a snow cone cup with candy and an invitation that brought back the trick or treaters on another date for snow cones. Served in the sun, rain, or cold, the tradition continues..
Sample Invitation For Snow Cones
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
ENJOY THE GOODIES IN YOUR CUP
BRING IT BACK AND WE’LL FILL IT UP
ON
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND AT 2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
BRING FAMILY & FRIENDS
DRIVEWAY OF TOMMY AND BETTY RUTH WILKERSON
(Mr. and Mrs. Whip-Poor-Will)
IN CASE A GOBLIN EATS YOUR CUP
DO NOT DESPAIR, WE SHALL JUST FILL ANOTHER ONE UP!
SEE YOU ON TUESDAY FOR RAINBOW SNOW CONES!
Recalling the first year of the Halloween invitation, they wondered if anyone would remember to return. The sweet memory lingers of children lined up with their little cups, going down the street and around the corner of the block with only one that didn’t bring back the cup! Most of them were campers who were eager for summer camp snow cones . Joyfully, they discovered them again at Halloween!
Now, smaller “snow cone makers” are available, often given to children at birthdays. Many families have discovered enjoyment, during stay at home times, by making snow cones with their children. Check out the recipe for a few at home snow cones. Try these when the sweet taste calls, the bright colors come to mind of the many choices, and the lips are ready for freezing
At Home Snow Cone Recipe with Family Help
Ingredients:
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup water
1 or 2 packets of Kool Aid. .Select your favorite flavor.
1. Place your snow cone cup in safe place.
2. Fill small or medium pan with water and sugar on stove burner. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Sprinkle kool aid slowly (do not dump as it will not dissolve as well).
5. Stir for 1-2 minutes or until well blended.
6. Let liquid cool while you place crushed ice in your snow cone cup. Consider Crushing ice in food processor.
7. Place liquid in bottle with very small opening. Be sure it is cool. Drizzle carefully over ice. As it melts use a straw to drink the remaining from your cup.
Snow Cone History
A little snow cone history is of interest, shared by Richard Parker, who has snow cone businesses in Hawaii. He has an appreciation of early beginnings by Samuel Bert of Dallas, Texas in 1919.
1. The first recorded snow cones were produced by Bert at the State Fair of Texas. He invented the first ice-crushing snow cone machine in 1920 and sold both snow cones and snow cone machines until his death in 1984.
2. Ernest Hansen of New Orleans, Louisiana patented the first block-style shaving machine. His cones were set apart because of the difference in consistency as most snow cones were rough and crunchy. These machines produced ice flakes, the consistency of real snow. Hansen’s family still work in the snow cone business.
3. Another version originated in Asia, where shaved ice desserts
have been popular since the 19th century. Japanese immigrants came to the Hawaiian islands and worked in sugar and pineapple plantations. They developed a treat from a confection which they brought with them that used hand-operated steel blades to shave the ice, similar to Ernest Hensen’s. As the temperatures were very warm, these sold all year. Interesting that they sold for some time only on Sundays. This was the day off for the Japanese plantation workers. They used the shaved ice and poured fresh fruit juice over it. Though they later left the islands for other professions, the shaved ice had become so
popular that it continues to be sold everywhere as a refreshing icy treat.
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To Samuel Bert, who began the snow cone treat, every camper would wish to say “Thank you” for the unique treat has brought refreshing camp days to many campers!
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