Fresh snow and plenty of it. Small fry love the white stuff. With the recent snowfall and subsequent plowing creating mountains and over-the-head banks, may they re-discover the joys of snow forts and snowball fights.

Snow cream is another way to consume all that frozen bounty. For the best memories, whip some up during the next storm, and use only ingredients that you have on hand already.

What you need:

8 cups fresh snow
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk (or substitute fresh cream of canned condensed sweetened milk)
2 tbsp vanilla

Put the fresh snow into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, then vanilla, milk, adjust to taste. Mix well with a spoon until the texture thickens and resembles ice cream. Serve immediately, since it does not hold well in the freezer.

Variations are endless, though plain vanilla in a fresh cup cone is a favorite. For chocolate, add cocoa mix. Toppings can be drizzled on. Rummage the cupboards for chocolate chips, sprinkles, jimmies or maple syrup.

Note: Use common sense and only scoop fresh clean snow. While the snow is still falling is best, and I usually take a glass bowl and mix it up outdoors.

Bet your family will remember the experience of creating something from “nothing.”

Editor's Note: For a first-hand folksy account with photos, check out “Blind Pig & The Acorn” – an interesting blog. (Don't miss the playlist with “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” by Flatt & Scruggs on the righthand side of the page.)