Get your hands on a Raspada

Have you ever tried a Mexican snow cone or a Raspada? Well, if you have not, you should!! They're that good!! They come with the freshest of fruit on top of a delicious scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream. But it's not the kind you get at the circus, the shaved ice is nicely poured into the dish below the ice cream scoop and fresh fruit.

A Raspada is a Mexican snow cone - paper cups (replacing the old leaky paper cones) that is filled with crushed or shaved ice and covered in a sugary sweet flavored syrup or real fruit juice. Some people know them by other names like snowballs, sno-cones, water-ice, Italian ices, or Hawaiian shaved ice.

Raspadas are the Mexican version of a "snow cone" or "flavored shaved ice". They are made in many flavors. People can buy flavored syrups if they want, in order to make them at home. Click here for a website that allows you to order syrups and ice shaving machines online.

Here is an easy recipe for making a fresh strawberry Raspada from diana's desserts.com. Click here to access the website and to obtain more information on specific measurements for ingredients required for the making of a Raspada.

In a blender or food processor, puree strawberries and pour into a 2 1/2- to 3-quart pan; add sugar until you get the taste you want. Stir occasionally over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in lemon juice; let mixture cool, then cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.

Shortly before serving, finely crush or shave ice in an ice crusher or shaved ice machine. Or drop cubes into a spinning food processor to crush fine. Spoon ice into paper cones or chilled small cups or bowls. Pour strawberry sauce over ice. Garnish with mint. Serve at once. It is best to serve them on a hot day for a great cool and refreshing taste.

Raspadas can be found at many locations in Tucson including Raspados De Frutas Oasis Fruit Cones. They have three locations at 1002 W. St. Mary's Road, 4126 S. 12th Ave and in the Chevron gas station at 1600 W. Valencia.

Not only is this a tasty treat but it is one that can be purchased for anywhere around $2.00 and $4.00.