Indulge In {Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream}

Well...did you check out the latest issue of LPF Mag after yesterday's post? Good! In that case, you saw all of the amazing things you can do with a big ol' scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sundaes, cones, splits, shakes, floats, sandwiches...I could go on forever, but the key to all of these is the perfect vanilla ice cream. I like mine extra creamy and sweet but with a touch of saltiness. After many failed attempts, we have finally nailed it! It gives you a mouthful of sweet followed by subtle saltiness. Honestly, it's perfection in a spoonful. Top with chocolate, sprinkles, whipped cream, pretzels, or caramel and enjoy till your heart's content. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Quart Half and Half
1 Pint Whipping Cream
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Tablespoon plue 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Dash of Salt
Ice Cream Salt
Ice

:: Directions ::
1. Combine half and half, whipping cream, and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl and mix.
2. Add sugar, vanilla extract and salt to mixtures and combine.
3. Pour into old time ice cream maker. Layer ice and ice cream salt around center portion. Churn till thick.

*Image from a Hint of Honey

Indulge In {Cookie N' Cream Ice Cream}

Hey! Fans of LPF Mag. Get excited because the 4th issue is in full planning mode and we are putting together one heck of an issue for you. In it you will see everything from summer date ideas to a feature on Sweet Grass Dairy to a super awesome ice cream social I'm planning. Homemade ice cream is one of my favorite parts of summer and an ice cream social where guests get to make their own sundae, float, split, or sandwich is right up my alley. I thought I would give you a little sneak peak into the social today with my recipe for homemade cookies n' cream ice cream. Sweet and creamy, it's way better than any store bought version. Although I may be a bit biased.... Anyways, here's the recipe!

:: Ingredients ::

1/2 Tablespoon plus 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Sugar

1 Quart Half & Half

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 Pint Whipping Cream

Dash Salt

1 Package Crumbled Oreos

Ice

Ice Cream Salt

:: Directions ::

1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, half & half, and whipping cream. Mix.

2. Add in vanilla, sugar, and salt. Mix to combine

3. Pour into ice cream maker container. Layer salt and ice in machine around container. Turn on and let churn until thick. Add in crushed Oreos and continue to churn until ice cream gets so thick center portion won't turn. 

Be sure to check out the next issue of LPF for tips on throwing your ice cream social!

Indulge In {Grilled Peaches and Homemade Ice Cream}

For R's birthday last November, I caved and bought him the old fashioned ice cream maker he had been wanting for months. You know, the ones with the wood base that is incredibly noisy. Well, he loves it! And frankly, so do I. It reminds me of the one my grandparents had and all the summers we would make strawberry ice cream in their back yard. With it being the time of year for outdoor cooking, it's finally time to bust it out and see what creamy creations we can come up with.

Recently, I've been craving pies and desserts of the sort so for our first attempt, I decided to do a modern twist on the all time favorite peach cobbler. With fresh peaches from the farmer's market and all the ingredients for a delicious batch of ice cream, this new favorite dessert is so fun for summer cookouts. It's even a great addition to your Memorial Day menu. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
2 Quarts Half and Half
1/2 Pint Heavy Cream
1 1/2 Cups White Sugar
4 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 Pinch Salt
4 Peaches, halved and pitted
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
5 Tablespoons Butter

:: Directions for Ice Cream ::
1. Mix together half and half, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt in the bowl of an ice cream maker.
2. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

:: Directions for Peaches ::
1. Turn your grill on medium heat and let it get warm.
2. Melt the butter and stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
3. Brush all sides of the peach with butter and brown sugar mixture. Grill until warm and caramelized. About 5-8 minutes.

Enjoy!