Shaved ice is the coolest treat you'll have to beat that Summer heat. Here in California, the weather is beautiful, surely, but sometimes it just feels like you're walking around in a walk-in pizza oven - and it never smells that good. 

So we have to find ways to cool down, or in this case, chow down! Today's delicacy of the day is shaved ice. Don't confuse it with the crushed ice found in your dopey snow cone. What's the difference? 

Shaved ice is said to be smooth and better able to soak up the fruit and syrups. But this is all word of mouth and until tried and tested. And then it happened to me. I am one of the few fortunate ones who has tried this amazing delicacy.  

I just recently had Taiwanese style shaved ice at a work function and it was a show-stopper, truly. I had never had anything so light and refreshing. 

I went for the green tea flavor and I was hooked. I just couldn't get over how soft on the tongue and how flavorful it was compared to a snow-cone. More specifically, I'd describe it as more consistent and evenly flavored. 

It was like green tea and powder snow had a Brangelina of a child. It was absolutely transcendent. I did some research and found out that there are thousands of shaved ice recipes from around the world. 

 Apparently, shaved ice is the best kept secret that America has yet to catch on! In Italy, you'll know it as granitas, Puerto Ricans have piraguas, and halo-halo is a Filipino favorite. And of course, Hawaiian shaved ice is huge. Believe me. It's not just a kid-centric treat. 

The flavor options and combinations range from creative and exotic to sophisticated and refined. Don't take my word for it. Here's a list of a few recipes that caught my eye: watermelon-lemonade, caramel coffee, green tea, and strawberry shortcake. 

 Take a Pinterest tour if you're more visually oriented. You will thank me later.

With access to your own ice shaver, you can have cool treats all year long. And, more importantly, you can experiment with flavors completely at your leisure--on your own time, at your own pace; you make the rules, champ! 

Shaved ice makes for a show-stealing treat for kids parties and work functions (need I remind you of that heavenly green tea experience?) It'll be even more impressive at adult parties and dinners because I feel a more mature crowd can appreciate the textural refinement. 

Just fib and say how grueling and time consuming the work was to get the ice so soft and light and everyone will be impressed, especially the nanny. You're secret is safe with me. Whip out the martini glasses and serve refreshing raspberry ice topped with dark chocolate shavings. 

Or whatever you want. You can pull out some ingredients from the liquor cabinet for that extra oomph!