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Shave Ice

Blocks of ice are shaved to give this sweet and refreshing treat its signature texture. A variety of flavorful syrups are then added when the treat is purchased. The texture is different than a snow cone, which is made with crushed ice. Popular on the big island of Hawaii, shave ice originates with Japanese plantation workers who came to the Hawaiian islands in the 1920s and '30s. A food processor can be substituted for ice-shaving machines but with some loss of texture. Common on the north shore of O'ahu, Maui, and the Big Island, a cap of sweetened condensed milk is added on top and known as a “snow cap.”

Recipe Servings: 6

Prep Time
10 minutes
+ 1 hour resting
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 25 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

Syrup:
Assembly:

Directions

    For Syrup:
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the pineapple cubes, mango slices, sugar, and 2 cups water over high heat.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes, until the pineapple and mango are softened.
  4. Let cool to room temperature, about 60 minutes.
  5. Pour the mixture into a blender and process until it forms a thick syrup.
  6. Strain through a fine strainer.
  7. Chill before use.
  8. For Assembly:
  9. Shave the ice cubes in a shave-ice machine, or process 2 cups at a time in a food processor until the texture looks like snow.
  10. Place 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream in each serving dish.
  11. Top the ice cream with some shave ice, and then drizzle the sweetened condensed milk and syrup over the top.
  12. Serve immediately garnished with chunks of mango, if desired.

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