Savouring icicles have always been a quick, refreshing way to spend a hot afternoon and school breaks. They are typically made with packets of fruity drink mixes, in bright and tempting colours. This snack was named after icicles which are long, sticklike bodies of ice that are formed when dripping water freezes. Milk icicle or custard is the upgraded version of icicles, and as you can probably guess, this icicle is flavoured with custard and milk. Milk icicles or custard got the name from the milky look and texture of this frozen snack. Icicles have been a favourite of Guyanese school snacks for many years. Not only children but adults also enjoy the assorted coloured icicles and custard icicles.
What is Icicle?
An icicle is a frozen snack that is typically made with packets of drink mixes like Kool-Aid but can also be given a fruity kick by using fruit juice instead. They are sold in narrow plastics bags about an inch wide and six inches long. These bags give shape to the icicle because the mixture is first poured into the plastics, tied at the end and put to freeze. They are best eaten fully frozen. Icicles are a colourful assortment of frozen snacks. The most famous colour is red, but if you’re lucky the vendors may decide to switch up their colours. Blue, yellow, orange and green icicles are some additional colours you can get your icicle in though they are fairly uncommon. They fall into a category with a variety of ice treats including custard block, ice cream, and are very similar to the America ice pop, or a popsicle. Icicles are an easy, cool and fun way to hydrate.
Guyanese Milk Icicle
While the normal, coloured icicles are made with drink mixes, the milk or custard is made with a unique blend of milk, custard powder and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Custard icicles are Guyanese-styles elevated forms of icicles but are still sold in the narrow plastics. The name ‘milk’ icicle has been given to this refreshing snack because of its smooth, creamy texture and milky taste. It is most popular in primary schools and is the first of frozen snacks to go during breaks. If you wanted a custard icicle, you had to be quick, before all were sold out for the day.
How to make Icicle
Ingredients
- 1 packet of drink mix
- 1-litre water
- sugar to taste
- Icicle bags
- 1 tsp essence
Steps
- Pour water in the container.
- Mix the drink mix in water, add sugar and essence to taste.
- Stir well.
- Fill into bags using a funnel, and tie the end of the plastic.
- Freeze and enjoy!
How to make Custard Icicle
Ingredients
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 can water ( the same milk can (
- 1/8 of a 3-ounce packet of Custard Powder ( half of a quarter packet )
- 1/2 pound sugar
- Icicle bags
- 1 tsp essence
Steps
1. Heat the can evaporated milk in a and one (1) cup of water in separate pots.
2. Mix the custard powder in water, add sugar and essence taste.
3. Mix well and add to the milk mixture on the stove.
4. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. When you see little heat bubbles, remove from stove and let cool.
6. Once cooled off, fill into bags using a funnel, and tie the end.
7. Freeze and enjoy!
Watch this: Custard / Milk Icicle, step by step Video Recipe II Real Nice Guyana [ HD ] | Real Nice Guyana
Icicles in Guyana
Guyanese snacks have changed in the many past decades. However, one of the things that remained constant is the icicles, snow cones and chicken foot, just to name a few. Icicles are a fast way to cool down, but remember to wrap a rag or tissue around it because it can be cold. The coloured icicles can be considered homemade popsicles, and the custard or milk icicles, a milky version of the same. Although some stores and vendors in Guyana have taken to purchase the factory-made icicles, nothing beats the taste of a homemade one.
