Pots and Pans
Thursday, July 26, 2012
WE had our share of ice cream the past weeks, now come another all-time favorite, the very basic and easy to make ice candy!
Why does this simple frozen pleasure give us so much enjoyment and gladness during our childhood and even until now? This might be an “imported invention” but who cares? What is important is that this evokes a lot of memories and with it, reminds also our very colorful lives!
Aside from the bells ringing from mamang sorbetero, we are also treated to the high or low pitch calls of Ice Kendiiiii! What a welcome treat in the lazy afternoon when the sun is screamingly hot and humid.
I remember running outside of our house every time I hear the “shouts” and with 10 cents in hand, it became an afternoon delight long, long time ago. And with the economic crisis, the cost of this basic pleasure has soared up to as high as P5 and even more! And yet, we still look forward to it, right?
With a slender long cellophane (about 2” in circumference and between five to 10 inches long), this is where we pour our “home-made” ice candy. Some might have a bigger or even a smaller version, depending on the “need” of the customers.
And one may ask, what are the basic ingredients in making this cold treat? Simple as one, two, three and maybe a few more.
Water, sugar, flavoring (natural or artificial), coloring and/or fruits (puree or bits) for a more pronounced flavor. Mix them all, pour into a plastic bag and freeze. Voila! Ice candy is ready!
This is one of the cheapest and easiest business ventures one can get into. And many people have started and continue to do so until now. And what make their ice candy different from the rest? We could probably cite a few.
One, they can be using “natural” ingredients like fresh fruits or produce which can be in season, so the investment is lesser. Like mangoes, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, buko, maiz, ube, langka, calamansi, avocado and others.
Second, they can be more expensive, but they contain more fruits or fruit juices with less sugar and so therefore, more healthier. And with fruit bits, it adds up to more fiber.
Third, they use only “purified,” “spring” or those so-called “mineral” water in the mixture rather than tap-water.
Four, their packaging/presentation is “unique” and that is beautiful and pleasing to the eyes.
Five, they are readily available.
Maybe there are more reasons, but I am pretty sure the top five reasons would already make an impression to the buying public.
Some who are more into “quantity” might use artificial coloring and flavoring (please be aware that these are commonly used but not encouraged), thereby making their products a lot cheaper. And God forbid, please do not use those “magic” sugar!
For those at home, why not buy fruits in season and turn them into frozen treats? You can even freeze the fruits, after washing, peeling, removing their seeds/husks. It can also be sliced into smaller pieces and frozen. And when you feel like eating, enjoy them, straight from the freezer!
Since most fruits become mushy when defrosted, they can also be blended with yoghurt or milk for a healthier drink instead. Or plain as it is, minus the sugar. Now you have a fruit shake or a fruit smoothie! Not bad at all!
So give yourself a cold treat, summer or not, day or night and relish, appreciate, love and revel in this simple indulgence.
Get healthy, go grab or make one today!
(Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com, email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on July 26, 2012.
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