Trinidad Snow Cone
An icy childhood favourite… of a sweet syrup drizzled over crushed ice and topped with just the right amount of condensed milk. Yum!
This has got to be the easiest treat of my childhood! Crushed ice, compacted into a cup, drizzled with a sweet syrup and sometimes topped with some condensed milk. Honestly, the only way to eat a snow cone is to top it with condensed milk …am I right? LOL. I always thought the syrup was a complex one, but it’s actually a basic simple syrup, which is equal parts of water and sugar, boiled until it forms a thick-ish syrup. We like to add a ciliment leaf that gives a nice flavour component which is quintessential to my childhood reminiscence.
We had a huge Ciliment Tree in my backyard growing up. As a child, I actually thought that this was where we got cinnamon from since the bark would smell highly of it, and would even peel off a little similar to the cinnamon sticks that you find in the grocery. Realistically, they are 2 different types of trees.
Learning Time:
What is Ciliment Leaf?
Ciliment leaf is also known as West Indian Bay Leaf. It has complex notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg along with hints of vanilla and cardamom. It is used usually used for teas and flavouring of soups and certain rice dishes.
When it comes to the ice, my mom had an ice shaver from her parents which we used. Now, however, I can’t find it so we just add the ice to the food processor and finely process. It’s not exactly the same texture, but it can work.
Manual ice shaver
Source: R and B Imports
Ingredients
For the Syrup:
1 Cup white sugar
1 Cup water
1 ciliment leaf or a small piece of cinnamon stick (about 1/2 inch)
Red colouring (or any kind)
For the Snow cone:
Ice
Condensed milk
Cup and straw
Method:
Make the syrup: add all ingredients (except the colouring) to a pot. When it starts to boil, place it on a medium simmer and allow to reduce until thick or about 3/4 of the amount (This should take about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, add your desired colouring, and allow to cool completely. I usually place it in the fridge until ready.
When ready to enjoy, add the ice to your food processor and pulse until finely processed and resembles snow. Place in a cup, top with desired amounts of the syrup and condensed milk.
Enjoy!
