Have I mentioned that I don't like snow? It's cold. And wet. And stupid.

 

No offense, snow. We just don't go together. We'll never be like Peas & Carrots. Sorry.

 

 

 

But, I love a great snow cone. As a kid, there was nothing better on a hot summer day than a sweet and tasty Snow Cone.

 

That paper cone cup. That refreshing sweet syrup dripping all down your arm. That red or blue or purple tongue!

 

Ah- to be a kid again.

 

 

 

But that doesn't mean that you still can't enjoy one whether you have a gaggle of kids to join you or you're just plain grown up on your own, I think it's time for a Snow Cone. I started thinking about Snow Cones in March. It was the topic of conversation in a couple different circles and it got me to wishing that the temperatures would rise and summer would hurry up and get here.

 

As we like to celebrate the crazy stuff around here at House of Shine, I asked myself, "Self, when is National Snow Cone Day? I feel a celebration coming on."

 

I Googled it as all good researchers do. The only thing I came up with was National Frozen Food Day- March 6th. I missed it! This just won't do.

 

I'm starting a petition.

 

No. Wait. That will take too long.

 

 

 

I'm declaring that from this day forward, to be recognized by all nations far and wide, rich or poor, and by adults and children of all ages, races and creeds, International Snow Cone Day will forever be celebrated on June 18th. May all men, women and children celebrate this day with a Snow Cone or two, or twenty. Forever and ever, amen. Say a prayer of thanks to your God of choice. Thank you.

 

Now, the real question- what's your favorite kind of Snow Cone? No, not the flavor because we could be here all day discussing the virtues of Tiger Blood and Cotton Candy and Rainbow! Do you like your Snow Cone to be the crunchier, granular ice or do you prefer the smoother, shaved ice known in some places as the Snow Ball? Snow Balls come in a cup. Not a cone. I, for one, am not picky!

 

 

 

Yum! That was good.

 

I'll have you know that I am an experienced Snow Cone maker. We have the hand cranked Snow Cone machine. It's the one on the left. Let me tell you, if you have more than one or two kids wanting a tasty treat- you're going to get a workout. You'll break out in a sweat. It's not necessarily a good thing when you have little ankle biter chomping for a Snow Cone! And, you need to freeze a special block of ice to go in this machine. More work.

 

No.

 

I have a better solution for you.

 

(This was my favorite find in the year of 2009. This is what I wanted to share with you during March Madness!)

 

 

And it's known as the Retro Series Nostalgia Electric Snow Cone Maker. It shaves and crunches and turns any shaped ice quickly and with little effort on your part. Get one today! (Oh, and check this one out. I want it!)

 

Back to flavors- Sorry- I know I'm all over the place but I'm getting antsy with excitement just thinking about starting my celebration of International Snow Cone Day!

 

If you are under 21, stop reading here. This is not for you. But if you are 21 and over, read on.

 

Cruise on over to your favorite liquor store and pick up this bottle of vodka. Firefly Sweet Tea. It's handcrafted for goodness sakes!! I won't wait, make a list.

 

(TIP: I like to keep the vodka in the freezer.)

 

 

 

I'm sure your liquor store will have it but if not, pop into your local grocery store and pick up some lemonade.

 

 

 

I call it an Adult Arnold Palmer but it really needs a better name.

 

Ice. Use your new Snow Cone Maker to shave the ice and fill up your cup.

Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka - Add as little or as much as you want.

Lemonade - also to taste.

 

 

 

ahhhhh!

 

A Tasty Adult Arnold Palmer Snow Cone Treat just for you!

 

Add a cherry on top for some color.

 

 

Oh, go ahead and share with any other adult you have hanging around.

 

Or not. Just keep it to yourself if you want.