Snow Cone Syrups

I bought an ice shaver (snow cone maker) this year. I also purchased some of the flavored syrups that were marketed along side it. They were...OK...if you're a kid. They weren't great. Lots of artificial flavors and dyes. So here are a couple of healthier versions, still loaded with sugar so not actually healthy but all things in moderation, right? A snow cone can make the miserable heat a bit more tolerable. These syrups work well in sparkling water--add some cream for Italian Cream Sodas. Check out this post for two more flavors.

Strawberry Basil Syrup
2 cups strawberries, washed and hulled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons white corn syrup
pinch of salt
In a medium size sauce pan, combine strawberries, basil and sugar. Mash with a potato masher until strawberries are broken down. Stir in water, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender container). Allow to come to room temperature. Place a mesh strainer over a bowl and pour syrup through stainer into bowl. Stir to help the syrup pass through the mesh. Discard any solids left in strainer. Store syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator. Serve with snow cones, Italian sodas, on crepes or ice cream.

Lime Ginger Syrup
2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons white corn syrup
2 cups water
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger root
1 lime, sliced thinly
pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in a medium size sauce pan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes then remove from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature, remove lime slices and chill in a covered container. Use for snow cones, Italian sodas or for punch.

Hints: The corn syrup will help prevent crystallization as the syrup chills. These syrups can be stored for 2 weeks in the fridge. You can choose how much syrup you use on the snow cones. I like to serve mine in a mug with a handle so that my hands don't get too cold.

I didn't like snow cones until this year. But when I went to the zoo with Sophie, Robert and Stella we shared one and then I saw the machine for sale and now I'm nuts about them! Next up I'm going to try a blueberry lemon syrup. I would love suggestion for new flavors...