Sweet Ice 2 – Saved Ice
Shaved ice has been a popular treat in many cultures for centuries, but its exact origin is unclear. It is believed to have originated in China around the 7th century, where blocks of ice were shaved and flavored with fruits and syrups.
Shaved ice also became popular in Japan, where it is known as kakigori, during the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Japanese samurai warriors would shave ice and flavor it with sweetened azuki beans to help cool down during the hot summers.
Shaved ice was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s by Japanese immigrants who sold kakigori from carts on the streets of Hawaii. The dessert became especially popular during the hot summer months.
During the 1920s and 1930s, shaved ice became a popular treat in American theaters and amusement parks. The ice was often flavored with brightly colored syrups and served in a cone or cup.
Today, shaved ice is still a popular treat around the world, especially in hot climates. It has evolved to include a wide variety of flavors and toppings, from traditional fruit syrups to unique combinations like sour gummy worm and cotton candy. Shaved ice stands and trucks can be found at festivals, fairs, and other outdoor events throughout the United States and beyond.
Here's a simple recipe for making shaved ice at home:
Ingredients:
Ice cubes or crushed ice
Flavored syrups (such as cherry, blue raspberry, or lime)
Equipment:
Blender or food processor
Shaved ice maker or a cheese grater
Instructions:
Start by making the flavored syrups. You can use store-bought syrups or make your own by mixing sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, then adding fruit flavorings or extracts of your choice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool.
Put the ice cubes or crushed ice into a blender or food processor and blend until the ice is finely crushed.
Transfer the crushed ice to a shaved ice maker or use a cheese grater to shave the ice into a bowl.
Drizzle the flavored syrups over the shaved ice.
Stir the ice and syrup together to make sure the syrup is evenly distributed.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade shaved ice!
You can also experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique shaved ice creations. Some popular toppings include sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.