My grandma’s chocolate snowball recipe

This was the very first recipe I ever learned to make. I remember being in my Mommom’s kitchen and helping to stir it up. I remember constantly opening the freezer door to see if it was ready.

I cannot go through a single summer without making it for my own kids.

I asked once where the recipe came from. Mommom said that she invented it decades ago. She read about something similar in the newspaper, but it had much fancier ingredients, ones that she couldn’t afford, so she made do with what she had. 

The result became a family tradition. I love that it perfectly embodies every memory I have of her: simple, modest, but totally satisfying and full of love. And fun for kids.

There are only two ingredients. She named it Chocolate Snowball because it was chocolate and it was cold.

It does not matter what kind of milk you use.

Empty one can of chocolate syrup into a square freezer-safe baking dish. Then add one can of milk and one can of water. (Mommom used two cans of milk. My Aunt Charlotte modifies it to 1 can of milk and 1 can of water and I tend to do the same so that I don’t waste as much milk, plus it makes the end result easier to serve.)

Have some helpers stir for a few minutes until everything is evenly combined.

Clear out a level surface in your freezer and very carefully transfer it there to freeze for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.

To serve, use a sharp knife to cut thin strips, then break each strip into small chunks and spoon into a dessert glass.

It is almost similar to a chocolate Italian Ice from Rita’s.

The customers are always happy.