Mexico's Delicious Frozen Desserts

It can get very hot in Mexico. Mexicans have a variety of cool treats to enjoy. From ice cream sandwiches to popsicles, they have many to choose from that you will love. The treats consist of chocolate, cinnamon, and different fruits. Some men even sell the treats up and down the streets similar to in America where you will see ice cream trucks in the summer selling cold snacks.

Paletas - Popsicles with a Mexican Flare

Popsicles are popular in Mexico. Paletas, which mean "little shovels" in Spanish, can be found in Mexican grocery stores. They come in regular shapes, but their flavors are what differs them from American popsicles. Some paletas include milk and tropical fruits, while others are full of more ice and more flavors that are tart. Some flavors that are not very common in America are chili, and cucumber.

The chili one is a bit spicy, so pepper lovers would enjoy this flavor. Paletas are easy to make at home and carry little fat. If you would prefer to buy them, paletas are sold at many street vendors in Hispanic neighborhoods. A California-based company named Palapa Azul makes paletas to sell to a much wider market, not just for Hispanics. You might even be able to purchase paletas at Wal-Mart!

Mexican Fried Ice Cream More Solid than Most Ice Creams

This is another delicious Mexican sweet treat but is rather Americanized. Mexican restaurants across the United States sell Mexican ice cream and Mexican fried ice cream and you can also get it at festivals. The ice cream used in the Mexican fried ice cream recipe is frozen harder than most ice creams. The ball of ice cream is rolled in Corn Flakes or cookie crumbs and then deep-fried at a low temperature so that the ice cream does not melt. When it is cooked, toppings such as cinnamon can be added. Fried ice cream is very popular and can be found in Japanese and Chinese restaurants too. You might find different flavors, such as green tea ice cream.

Mexican Ice Cream with Cajeta Topping

If in the mood for just regular vanilla ice cream, cajeta would be a great topping. Cajeta is a Mexican confection of syrup most commonly made from caramelized milk that is sweetened. The syrup is made by the sweetened liquid being cooked slowly and breaking down until it is very thick. Some people use different liquids instead of sweetened milk.

You might find cajeta made with juice or a different sweetened liquid. Different parts of Mexico may know the milk candy by different names such as leche quemada and dulce de leche. It is topped on ice cream. Even the Hershey Company produces cajeta, which is targeted for Mexican food lovers. Cajeta is a great addition to ice cream, especially on a hot day in Mexico.

These cold treats are quite straightforward to make yourself, if you want to have a go. You could research some different techniques and flavors and see what the results are like. If you have kids, it is a lot of fun for them to help you in the kitchen with your Mexican fried ice cream, paletas, or cajeta recipe and, of course, they will love the finished products. Cool Mexican sweet snacks are perfect on a hot day or on any other day of the year.