How to Make Snow Cones from Monsters Inc. (MADE WITH REAL SNOW!)

What’s Up, Hungry People

It’s time to check under the bed, shut the closet door, and hope you aren’t visited by a scary monster in the middle of the night. That’s right, folks, today we’re heading to Monstropolis to join Sulley Sullivan and Mike Wazowski on the scare floor.

Monsters Inc. was one of my favorite movies as a kid (heck, I still love it now!). This delightful Pixar classic dives into the monster world’s wacky way of powering their city – with the screams of human children.

The movie follows the dynamic duo, Mike and Sulley, two top-notch scarers at Monsters, Inc., who stumble upon a huge conspiracy and find themselves in quite the pickle.

In a twist of events, Mike and Sulley are banished to the Himalayas. It’s here, in this frosty wilderness, they meet the legendary Abominable Snowman. Contrary to popular belief, he’s not the fearsome beast we’ve all heard about. Instead, he’s a friendly, hospitable fellow who offers them a treat to warm their spirits – lemon flavored snow cones.

After dozens of requests over on TikTok – and with a conveniently timed snow storm coming my way – I decided it was high time to taste the yellow snow for myself (don’t worry; IT’S LEMON FLAVORED!).

Here’s What You Need

• Fresh Snow or Finely Shaved/Crushed Ice: The base of the snow cone, providing texture and coldness.
• Water: Used to dissolve sugar and Kool-Aid, forming the syrup base.
• Sugar: Sweetens the syrup, balancing the tartness of the lemon flavor.
• Lemon Flavored Kool-Aid: Adds a tart and zesty flavor to the syrup.

Let’s Co.. Scare!

First things first – we need to gather fresh snow. If fresh snow is on your radar, it’s the perfect time to get out some cups or paper cones to collect the snow! Yes, snow is safe to eat – if you do it right. Never, EVER eat snow that has been plowed or shoveled, been directly sitting on the ground or if it’s, ya know.. yellow.

You want to collect the snow that’s freshly fallen, ideally in the container you plan to use to serve it, or in a large, clean container from which you can scoop with an ice cream scoop. My technique of using snow cone cups to collect the snow worked out perfectly! I just needed to use an ice cream scoop to help shape the tops and pack down the snow in the cups, making it easier to eat.

Making the Simple Syrup

Creating the syrup for the cones is super easy, but the most crucial factor is the temperature. First, simmer water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Then, while still simmering, add in lemon-flavored drink mix (I used a whole packet for that extra zesty flavor) and then let it chill.

Letting the syrup chill until it’s almost frozen is the best way to ensure the liquid doesn’t melt the snow as it’s drizzled over the top. I let my syrup cool to room temperature, then popped it into a decommissioned Scream Canister to chill for several hours.

Once chilled, just drizzle the syrup over the snow and serve right away! There’s nothing to be scared of – promise.

Tips for Making Perfect Yellow Snow Cones from Monsters Inc.

• Choosing the Right Snow: Use only freshly fallen snow to avoid any impurities. Avoid snow that’s been on the ground for too long or looks discolored.
• Syrup Consistency: Ensure the syrup is cooled to the right temperature before applying. If it’s too warm, it will melt the snow.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different Kool-Aid flavors or even natural fruit juices for a twist.
• Storage of Syrup: The syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Serving Immediately: Serve the snow cones immediately after preparation to maintain the perfect snow-like consistency.

This simple yet fun recipe brings a piece of Monsters Inc. into your kitchen, reminding us that sometimes the best treats are the simplest – and occasionally inspired by our favorite movies. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or making new ones, these lemon snow cones are sure to add a bit of magic to any snowy day.

Enjoy, Hungry People, and let me know in the comments what fictional feast should I whip up next!