ice, ice baby

Sorry about the lame post title. The heat makes me do strange things. But while on the topic of the sweltering climate of good 'ol Southern California, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to talk about one of my favorite summer snacks. Ever since the temperatures began to average over 80 degrees on a daily basis, I've needed a major refresher in the form of "patbingsu," or red bean shaved ice. Of course, you can be just like most people and go to your neighborhood Paris Baguette, Cake House, or other generic Korean bakery/cafe to get your fix, but my family and I aren't like most people. Sure, it may sound odd to some people, but my family makes its own. 

For one thing, it may be cheaper in the long run to make your own patbingsu at home (provided you have already purchased your handy-dandy ice crusher), but it also means THAT YOU GET TO MAKE YOUR OWN PATBINGSU. Seriously, I can't be the only one who has been disappointed time and time again with stingy management giving you a tiny golf ball sized mound of red bean or three measly pieces of mochi for around 5 dollars. In my home, we pile on the red bean (my mom makes her own boiled, mashed, and sweetened red beans) and the chewy mochi, as well as condensed milk and as much fruit as the individual desires. 

Bingsu comes in a variety of manners. I've seen some with a variety of different ice cream flavors, flavored syrups, milk, and even cereal. And of all things, some people even opt to take out the red beans, which to me borders on sacrilege. 

The reason I prefer patbingsu to the more standard summer icy treat such as popsicles and ice cream is the fact that it provides a certain mix of different textural and flavor sensations that ice cream just can't deliver. First, you have the icy cool of the tiny shards of crushed ice (which can't be too small or they will melt much too quickly), which provides the ideal background for a myriad of toppings that makes patbingsu so fun to eat. The red beans, which are mashed to retain a chunky consistency, is toothsome yet creamy. The mochi provides the chewy texture that I so crave, and the fruit brings a nice level of sweetness to the otherwise tasteless rice cake bits. 

Needless to say, you don't have to leave the cool comforts of your own home to enjoy a refreshing treat. And just thinking about that makes the heat just a tad bit more bearable.