Mango Shaved Ice

My Kids fell in love with shaved ice the very first time I took them to one of those fancy shaved ice places.  You can pretty much order different flavored shaved ice, along with different toppings such as fresh fruit, sprinkles, candies and mochi.  They usually charge you by an arm or a leg...oh, I meant by weight! 

On the other hand, my kids also loved the more traditional Hawaiian version of shaved ice, especially my Son.  He had it at a charity event at school.  I can totally see why the kids love shaved ice so much.  It's cool, usually colorful with the syrup/flavorings, you can hold it in your hand and it's totally okay to make a mess type of treat, etc.



If you've been following my blog for a while, or if you know me personally, you probably knew that flavored syrup and artificial coloring aren't things that I would like to see in my food, nor the kids' food.  I love big flavors, but not from artificial stuffs that I can't pronounce.  So, as I created the homemade version of shaved ice, all natural, organic, and healthy ingredients are on top of the list.



During our Spring break, we went to San Francisco for vacation.  My Hubby's cousin took us to the Google Store and I purchased the Android ice cube tray (see picture below and click here for product information).  Since my fridge have the ice cube dispenser, I used this ice cube tray for "flavored ice" instead.  To be more specific, mango juice ice cubes.



Simply pour your favorite mango juice, or mango nectar, into the tray. Let them freeze until completely hardened.  And you've got mango juice ice cubes.  Not only they are perfect in this mango shaved ice recipe, you can also add them to your mango juice or cocktails.  Your drink will stay nice and chilled without getting diluted by regular ice cubes.



Since I'm making quite a lot of shaved ice and I only have one ice cube tray, I made some extra mango juice ice cubes in a more efficient way.  Simply pour the mango juice into freezer safe containers, cover and freeze for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size.  I took the container out and cut the mango ice into cubes before they are completely frozen because that's way easier to cut.  Then you can freeze the cut out cubes until they are completely hardened afterwards.




Besides my little helpers, I have some special kitchen tools to help me out with this Mango Shaved ice.  My kids had been requesting for shaved ice for a while.  Instead of spending $6 to $8 a bowl at the shave ice store, the little machine below is quite a good bargain.  I tried the manual snow cone machine in the past and they don't quite really work, except that you get a pretty good upper arm workout out from those.  But for shaved ice, this little machines works beautifully. Simply drop the ice cubes, or mango ice cubes in this case, and twist the lid to turn on the machine and you've got mango shaved ice.  I can't resist but to get the paper snow cone cups and straws as well.  They are just adorable and so much fun to use.  I say, they are perfect for summer parties too.  You can check out the machine here, and the cups set here.




You can serve the Mango Shaved Ice the traditional way, in the paper cone and a straw.  You don't need to add any syrup as the mango ice cubes are already sweet enough and very flavorful.




However, it's always nice to add a little more fresh fruit on top of the shaved ice, just like those in the fancy shaved ice cafes.  My favorite Ataulfo Mangos are in season now, so, that's what I added, along with some fresh strawberries.




Of course, you can top with anything that you fancy for.  I love to keep it simple and use what I have in the fridge and in season. 

I hope you enjoy today's post and recipe.  Stay tuned for more fun recipes in the future and stay cool!





Tools and Props Used in this Post:

Android Ice Cube Tray (Click here for more information)
Snow Cone Machine (Click here for more information)
Snow Cone Cups and Straws (Click here for more information)
Pyrex Baking Dish with Lid (Click here for more information)
Small Cutting Board with handle (Click here for more information)
Small Bamboo Spoon (Click here to see similar product)
Ice Cream/Snow Cone Stand (Click here for more information)


Mango Shaved Ice:
Servings: 4

Mango Juice (nectar), 2 cups
1 fresh mango, diced (if serving in a bowl)
4 fresh strawberries, diced or quartered (if serving in a bowl)

Special equipment used:
Snow Cone Machine (more information here)
Snow Cone Cups and straws (optional, more information here)

Pour mango juice into ice cube tray and freeze until frozen.  If you don’t have that many ice cube trays, pour into a freezer safe container, covered and freeze for 2 to 3 hours.  Before the juice is completely hardened, cut into cubes and return to freezer until hardened.  That would make the ice cubes a lot more easier to cut apart when completely frozen.

Follow your snow cone machine’s manufacturer’s menu for instructions.  Mine is pretty easy, all I did was put the mango ice cubes in the provided tray and turn on the machine.  And freshly shaved ice is ready to enjoy.

If serving in a bowl, feel free to add your favorite fresh fruit on top.  Enjoy and stay cool!