{Homemade Snow Cones} A Week to Beat the Heat

I am really excited to be participating in the Week to Beat the Heat Tour with The Berry Bunch this week. I am not sure where you are living, but here in Texas it is HOT!!! I think that I mention that in every blog post ;) I have been here long enough to know that the heat is not going anywhere either. I am constantly trying to think of things to keep cool around here, cause' let me tell you...if I don't get these kids outside to play I will go a bit stir crazy...am I right?!?

SNOW CONES---cue heavenly music!!!!!!

What kid doesn't love them. I am not about to buy that junk from the store though. Not only is it costly, but who even knows what is in them anymore. We like to make our syrup from scratch from fresh fruit! Yes, there is white sugar in it, but I pick and choose my battles...I know it's way better than anything found in the stores too.

So let's get started!

Pick out a few fruits that you and your kiddos like...cause' you are gonna have one too right? We chose mangos and blueberries. Both I had frozen. We went blueberry picking and ended up with a TON, so we froze them. The mangos we bought in bulk from Bountiful Baskets, pureed them and froze into small baby food-sized containers. No need to thaw since you'll be throwing them into a hot pot in a few. Here are a few ideas for other flavors:

• cherry
• blueberry
• strawberry
• peach
• orange
• blackberry
• raspberry
• mango
• lime*
• lemon*

 Most of these would be great to mix together as well!

What you will need:

• 1 c. water
• 1 c. granulated sugar 
• 1 1/2 c. fruit

That's it! Grab a pot, and let's get to work. You will want to peel your fruit's and/or cut into smaller pieces applicable. Put everything into the pot and heat until boiling. Reduce to a simmer for 20-25 minutes. Let cool. Put it into the blender and puree it so it's nice and smooth. If desired, you can strain it with a mesh strainer, but I like to leave the pulp with some of my fruits. *Note: For lemons and limes, use only 1/2 c. of juice as they are obviously tart and not sweet.

For your "snow" you can use your blender if you have one that is strong enough. We have a ninja which works great, but some less powerful may only get you crushed ice, which is fine too! I am sure the kids won't complain.

Fill up a cup with your snow and drizzle your syrup over it. I had to add a little water to thin it out a tad before pouring over the snow. It just depends on the fruit used as to how runny it will be, so just add a little at a time to desired consistency. ENJOY your sweet treat in the slightly cooler heat!!!!

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on the Week to Beat the Heat Tour!