Jim Jim's vs. Sno Beach

Although summer break has come and gone, the great debate still remains. UT students and Austinites alike can't seem to agree on whether Jim Jim's Water Ice or Sno Beach makes the better frozen treat. Well, the verdict is in...

Hanna and I give Jim Jim's our "Life is One Big Meal" seal of approval. Yeah, Sno Beach does conjure up some tasty shaved ice and certainly does attempt to hit the spot in the scorching heat. Yes, Sno Beach might be a little closer to campus. However, Jim Jim's Water Ice is just so ridiculously amazing. It really hits the spot on a hot summer day in Austin. The funny name aside, the product simply delivers the best bang for your buck. It also manages to last longer too... unless you eat it too quickly. Beware of brain freeze though! :)

To be honest, Sno Beach just didn't come close. Plus, they seemed to have a serious bee problem around their stand.

The next time you go to shell out money at Sno Beach, don't. Instead, go to Jim Jim's Water Ice on Sixth by the Texas Lottery Commission. Plus, they have like 4 other locations with varying flavors. If you go to the one on 6th, make sure to ring the bell next to the little window. The guy who works there is really nice.

The Sno Beach trailer/stand on 34th & Guadalupe.

Two different flavors from Sno Beach with cream (apparently the cream is a necessity... it was just alright.)

Jim Jim's is located on 6th Street just off of I-35.

The picture doesn't do this cup of magical deliciousness any justice. On this trip, I got black raspberry and lemon.

CRUNCH....preserved goodies

pear preserves

pear preserves & pickled veggies

pickled veggies closeup: cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, jalapenos, carrots added in later

sweet pico de gallo

my ingredients list...unfortunately i don't have proper recipes for each because i just kinda toss things together =]

pear preserves

• fruit list: diced pears
• spice/flavoring list: brown and white sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, cornstarch, water

pickled veggies:

• veggie list: BEAUtiful sliced japanese cucumbers, shredded cabbage, sliced tomato strips, sliced japapeno rings, garlic
• spice/flavoring list: vinegar, white sugar, water, fish sauce, rice wine, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, white pepper, salt, sesame oil

hanna's sweet pico:

• veggie list: diced tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos with the pithy white stuff and seeds removed...leave seeds in for HOT pico
• spice/flavoring list: lime juice, salt, white sugar, white pepper, black pepper, chili garlic sauce and/or sriracha, some fajita seasoning, hot pepper powder

have fun...i kinda just taste test and adjust the flavors to suit me as i go =]

WOW...just wow...

http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/07/pie-lollipops-baking-recipe.html