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When it snows, grab the kids, a shovel and make homemade snow cones

When winter is in full swing in Chicagoland, we’ve got snow aplenty.

As soon as the first big flakes start to fall, kids of all ages race outside. It always reminds me of that classic Charlie Brown scene when Peppermint Patty challenges everyone to catch snowflakes on their tongues. Jazzy music plays in the background as all the kids — and even Snoopy — race around, catching flakes. Linus, tasting snow for the first time, responds, “Mmmm. Needs sugar.”

Poor Linus — if only Mrs. Van Pelt had this snow cone recipe! It only takes a few minutes to make a simple homemade syrup, and then just add fresh snow!

If you’re a worrier (and aren’t we all?), you might wonder about the safety of eating snow. Don’t stress — I’m looking out for you. Even though my family has been enjoying this frozen treat for years, I just went on an extensive deep dive of the most up-to-date scientific research about eating snow. The verdict? Stop worrying! It’s fine to eat fresh snow cones — just be smart in what snow you eat.

Remind your kids to collect snow that’s clean and white (obviously) and scoop it up away from the road and the aftermath of any snowplows. It’s best to make this recipe immediately after (or during) a fresh fall.

While the syrup cools, my kids and I bundle up and head outside. We quickly review the do’s and don’ts of snow collection, and off they go!

At this point, my job is purely quality control. I stand with my metal bowl, and the boys bring their snowy offerings to me. If their cup of snow passes inspection, I add it to my bowl. Once it’s filled with 10 or so cups of frozen treasure, we head back inside and quickly finish the recipe so we can enjoy our snow cones before they melt!

• Karen Nochimowski is the author of the cookbook “6-Minute Dinners (& More!),” featuring more than 100 simple recipes. Karen also started and runs Momma Chef’s Soup Kitchen and Momma Chef’s Little Free Pantries. Part of her cookbook proceeds go toward feeding those facing food insecurity. Find her book on Amazon.

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Homemade Snow Cones

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

Kool-Aid Liquid (I like cherry and grape)

2 cups clean snow per each snow cone

In a saucepan, mix the water and sugar and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally for about 2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved.

Remove from the stove and divide the liquid into two bowls. In one bowl, squirt about 8 drops of Kool-Aid Liquid cherry. In the other bowl, do the same with the grape until you reach your desired color.

Put the bowls in the refrigerator until the liquid is cold. When it’s ready, take your kids outside and have them scoop about 10 cups of fresh snow into a large container (this will make about 5 snow cones). Make sure it’s clean snow!

Back inside, put the snow into a 1-cup measuring cup, and press down until the snow is compact. Keep filling until the cup is full. Turn the cup over, shape it into a ball, and put the snowball into a bowl or snow cone cup. Spoon flavoring over the snow and enjoy!

Makes: 5 snow cones

Allergen note: Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, sesame-free, vegetarian

— Karen Nochimowski

Kool-Aid Liquid gives your simple syrup — and these Homemade Snow Cones — the fun colors kids love. Use paper snow cone cups if you have them, but any cup or bowl will work. Courtesy of Karen Nochimowski
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