Showing posts with label snow ice cream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow ice cream. Show all posts

TOP 10 Winter Activities for the WHOLE Family to Enjoy

When the snow starts to fall and the temperatures start to drop, I tend to look ahead to spring and start counting down to summer. However, although I love the lazy days of summer, I remind myself that there is lots of winter fun to be had. Today, I'm sharing 10 winter activities for the whole family to enjoy.




1) Get Crafty - Some days require a fun indoor activity, and crafts are always fun. Younger kids can make paper snowflake garlands and spare sock snowmen. Older kids and adults can make a fun wreath for the front door. Or perhaps everyone could try a family paint night. Crafting is a fun way to get creative and relieve stress... and it's a lot of fun.



2) Get outside and play - Bundle up and get outside and enjoy all the traditional winter activities. Build a snowman, go skating, play hockey, hit the slopes, build a fort, or grab some sleds. Playing in the snow (during the day... and at night) is fun for all ages.






3) Set up a hot chocolate bar - There is nothing better in cold weather than a warm drink. Set up a dollar store hot chocolate stand, a simple hot chocolate bar, or serve the treat outside with a portable hot chocolate basket. There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious treat.





4) Have a new product tasting party - This is a simple way to spend an afternoon at home. Choose some fun new products at the grocery store and have a tasting party. Check out the "how to" here, or check out this quick little video.



5) Make snow ice cream - This is one of my family's favourite winter activities, and if you have never made snow ice cream, you need to put it on your "to do" list. It's easy, delicious, and fun. Find the full instructions here.



6) Build a fort in the living room or have an indoor picnic - Sometimes the only thing you need on a cold winter day is a blanket and a little imagination.



7) Have a movie night - Nothing says "cozy" more than cuddling up to watch a movie. Consider setting up a little concession stand to add to the fun. You could also choose a movie with a winter theme, like "Cool Runnings", "Jack Frost" or "Frozen".




8) Have an indoor snowball fight - If it's too cold and wet to be outside, try an indoor snowball fight. Make pom poms to throw, or try the fun cottonball throwers here.



9) Bake something - Baking with kids is both educational and fun... and there is nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies on a cold winter day. You can find the recipe for our favourite chocolate chip cookies here.



10) Have a campfire - Fires aren't just for summer, so get outside and gather around the fire pit. I love the idea of cooking hot dogs over the fire for supper... and don't forget to make s'mores for dessert!





What's your family's favourite winter activity? I absolutely love all these ideas, don't you? 


Gina Bell
 (aka East Coast Mommy)



If you are looking for more Valentine's Day inspiration, check out more than 30 Valentine's Day ideas here.

Snow Ice Cream with Evaporated Milk

We had a huge snowfall yesterday, and when my boys found out school was cancelled, the first thing they asked was, "Can we make snow ice cream?". If you have never made snow ice cream, you need to try it!



I normally make snow ice cream with condensed milk, but I didn't have any in my cupboard, so I used this modified recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Big bowl of fluffy, clean, freshly fallen snow (approx. 8 cups) 
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (or a little less if you want it a little less sweet)
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk (I used 2%)
  • 1 tsp real vanilla extract
  • desired toppings (e.g. chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, m&ms, whipped cream, etc...)
Directions:

Collect the snow, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and stir until combined. Add evaporated milk and vanilla, and stir again. Serve immediately, add desired toppings, and enjoy!


This really is the perfect snow day treat. My boys love it made with condensed milk and with the evaporated milk and sugar. If you give both recipes a try, let me know if you have a favourite.

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

How to Make Snow Ice Cream

When mother nature gives you a snow storm at the end of March... make some snow ice cream! You only need three ingredients to make this tasty treat.



I have been planning all winter to make snow ice cream with my boys, but for some reason we didn't get around to it -- until today.  If you haven't done it before, you must.  My boys LOVED it, and it was so simple! You can check out our YouTube video here


Or you can follow the instructions here:


1)  Put 8 cups of clean (freshly fallen) snow in a big bowl.
2)  Added 1 can (300mL) sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3)  Stirred to combine, and served immediately.

Since my boys LOVE chocolate, I served our ice cream with a simple homemade chocolate sauce.  I just put 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa, 1 2/3 cups white sugar, 1 1/4 cups water, and 1 tsp vanilla in a medium saucepan.  I cooked it over medium heat for about 5 minutes after it came to a boil... whisking frequently.  Then, I removed it from the heat and allowed it to cool slightly.



Seriously... why did we wait so long to do this?  We'll have to start earlier in the season next year.

Have you ever made "Snow Ice Cream"?


♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Don't miss any of the fun....