ICY TREATS

Crushed or shaved ice, topped with sugary syrup or fresh juices, adds up to delightful treats.

Conquer the sweltering heat and entertain youngsters with thirst-quenching, refreshing snow cones. As an alternative to packaged drink mixes, you may choose such healthful options as orange juice, a sports drink, or pomegranate juice. They'll all leave sweet mustaches on lips and huge smiles on faces. -Vicki A. Poellnitz

Super-Sour Snow Cone Syrup

MAKES 2 ½ CUPS

PREP: 10 MIN., COOK: 5 MIN., STAND: 20 MIN.

2 cups sugar

1 ¼ cups water

2 (0.23-oz.) envelopes unsweetened pink lemonade drink mix

1 (0.13-oz.) envelope unsweetened cherry drink mix

Crushed or shaved ice

1. Bring sugar and 1 ¼ cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in drink mixes. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes. Spoon 1 to 2 Tbsp. syrup over 1 cup crushed or shaved ice for each serving.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Kool-Aid Pink Lemonade and Kool-Aid Cherry drink mixes.

Snow Cone Syrup

MAKES 2 ½ CUPS

PREP: 10 MIN., COOK: 5 MIN., STAND: 20 MIN.

You're not limited to lemonade for this recipe. You may substitute your favorite flavor drink mix.

2 cups sugar

1 ¼ cups water

1 (0.23-oz.) envelope unsweetened lemonade drink mix

Crushed or shaved ice

1. Bring sugar and 1 ¼ cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in drink mix. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Let stand at room temperature about 20 minutes. Spoon 1 to 2 Tbsp. syrup over 1 cup crushed or shaved ice for each serving.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Kool-Aid Pink Lemonade drink mix.

Cool Off In Style

No, it's not a facial steamer or a small robot. It's a Snow Cone Maker, the secret to the best-ever homemade snow cones. This inexpensive, easy-to-use gadget from Rival shaves ice cubes straight from your freezer. I first used this appliance at my 12-year-old's birthday party, where it was a big hit. At least 15 of the preteens stood in line, because each one wanted to make his or her own icy treat. By the way, parents can also use it for their own frozen drinks.

Look for snow cone makers at large discount stores or online. Prices range from $20 to $40 for most home models.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2006
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved