Snow Days: From Big Memories to Quiet Moments
Growing up, I don’t remember having yearly snows, but I do remember the big ones. Those snowfalls always seemed to bring together a mix of friends of my parents’ with their kids. In my memory, it was a lot of card games and the kids running wild. I’m sure there was some adult supervision, but what really stands out was the sheer fun of it all. One thing that was always a constant? Snow cream.
Fast forward to having a family of my own—now living in the city without a 4-wheel drive—we were always stuck in one spot during snowstorms. But what a wonderful spot it was! The neighborhood kids would sled, play, and, of course, find ways to stir up some mischief. Playmates were built-in, parents were friends, and everyone eventually went home to their own beds. We kept the traditions alive with card games, board games, and, of course, snow cream.
Now, as empty nesters, snow days look a little different. Jonathan doesn’t miss a beat, working from home because, let’s face it, there are no “snow days” when you run a small business. While it’s quieter now, we still see families strolling the neighborhood and hear boys playing football in the snow. Watching them brings back those memories of free days spent enjoying the gift of snow, and time standing still.
Even with just the two of us, I still grabbed the big red bowl, scooped up fresh snow, and made a big batch of snow cream. I can’t give you exact measurements—that’s part of the magic of it—but that’s also the best kind of recipe.
Whether you’re out in the snow or curled up indoors with a good movie, take a moment to enjoy the simplicity of these days. They’re a gift—one you’ll look back on with a warm heart (and maybe a bowl of snow cream).
How to Make Snow Cream
Snow cream is a sweet tradition that turns freshly fallen snow into a creamy, nostalgic treat. It’s simple to make and perfect for enjoying on a cozy snow day. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 large bowl of fresh snow
- 1 can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
- Almond milk, regular milk, or half-and-half (your choice)
- 1-2 cups of sugar (adjust to taste)
- A dash of high-quality vanilla flavoring
Instructions:
- Prepare the Snow: Start with a large bowl of fresh, clean snow.
- Add Milk: Pour just enough milk into the snow to make it easy to stir but not too thin.
- Mix in Eagle Brand: Add the can of sweetened condensed milk and stir until combined. If the mixture is too soupy, add more snow to thicken.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add 1 cup of sugar and taste. Depending on the sweetness of your milk and the size of your bowl, you may need to add a second cup.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in a dash of vanilla for a touch of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
Note: Snow cream doesn’t freeze well—it’s best enjoyed fresh. But if you have leftovers, freezing it is better than letting it go to waste.
Gather your family, savor the moment, and enjoy the sweetness of a snow day!
