The first time I saw “maple on snow” on the menu at a little restaurant in upstate New York years ago, I was intrigued. I grew up in the tropics, where the coldest it ever got was 50 degrees, and I never once saw the white powder falling down from the sky. The idea of eating such a thing was so foreign to me. However, one bite of the icy cold freshness, with a hint of creaminess and perfect maple flavor sweetness, I found a new friend.
So, when the bitter cold front made us shin-deep in the gorgeous fluffy white flakes, I couldn’t help myself thinking back of my first taste of “maple on snow”. A plan formed in my head. I would offer make-your-own snow cone for the kids and their friends.
First, I prepared my different flavored syrups. Fortunately, I already have the simple syrup on hand in a refrigerator. Next, make different fruit purees. I find that berries work best, and then I add the desired amount of simple syrup to the fruit sauce. Other favorite syrups are citrus and mint. Simply add sliced lemon, lime or mint leaves to water and sugar mixture, and cook for 15 minutes or until it resembles thin syrup. Strain and chill until ready to use.
I also have different store-bought, all-natural flavored syrups and some liquors.
Once everything is ready, I put on my boots, grabbed a stainless steel bowl and marched out to my deck. I scooped the desired amount of my soon-to-be delicious winter treat into the bowl, and then I filled the glasses up with the snow.
Here are some of the flavors I have concocted:
- Brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk
- Maraschino cherry juice with simple syrup
- White chocolate sauce with raspberry syrup
- Chocolate syrup with Kahlua or crème de menthe, for the grownups of course.
