Lili's Hawaiian Shave Ice

Shave ice or Hawaiian shave ice is an ice-based dessert made by shaving a block of ice. While the product can resemble a snow cone, snow cones are made with crushed, rather than shaved, ice. In Hawai'i it is referred to as shave ice. Shaving produces a very fine ice that appears snow-like. Flavored syrups are added to the ice, which are absorbed by the ice instead of surrounding it. A properly made shave ice product rarely requires a straw, since the flavors are in the ice an...d not at the bottom of the cup. Although the traditional American flavors are common, shave ice in Hawai'i is often flavored with local ingredients such as guava, pineapple, coconut cream, passion fruit, li hing mui, lychee, kiwi fruit and mango. Hawaiian shave ice is traditionally served in a plastic cup with multiple flavors and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and/or adzuki bean paste at the bottom of the cup. Sweetened condensed milk drizzled over the top is sometimes called a "snow cap." This style of shave ice is common on the north shore of O'ahu, as well as on Maui and the Big Island of Hawai'i (where it is called "Japanese style"). -reference Wikipedia See more

"What's the difference between snow cones and shaved ice?" The difference is the texture of ice and simply the name. If you live in, or visit Hawaii - you will probably hear the soft, snow-like ice called "Shave Ice" which is spelled without the 'D'. Whichever term you might use, there's clearly a difference in snow cones and shaved ice. The information below explains it a bit further.... SNOW CONES Often times found at a ballparks and large carnivals. Snow cones are probably the most common icy treat drizzled with sweet flavoring. The ice is usually crunchy and much of the syrup settles on the bottom of the snow cone cup - making the last few bites the most flavorful! Typically, snow cones are served with a limited number of flavors options - between 2-5. The most common are cherry, grape and blue raspberry. They are served in a cone-shaped wax paper cup. Snow cones are made by shaving ordinary ice cubes from your freezer. They are quick and easy to make and kids love them! SHAVED ICE Shaved ice is often sold at roadside stands and mobile units. It's a fine and fluffy ice - mimicking real snow. It has many names - Shaved Ice, Shave Ice, SnoBalls, Shavers and (most commonly) Hawaiian Shaved Ice. With the fluffy texture of ice, the yummy syrup is poured on top. The snow holds the syrup throughout the cup of ice - making each bite delicious! You often see them sold in a variety of flavors. Toppings are sometimes added - such as sour spray on the fruity flavors and sweet cream on the less acidic flavors. The snow is typically shaved from a block of ice. The flat shaving surface allows for a fluffier texture that melts quickly in the mouth. -from the site: http://www.hawaiianshavedice.com/shaved-ice-snow-cone-diffe