[*All photos are taken from my Instagram account.]
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Showing posts with label Ice Cream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ice Cream. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
My Beautiful Month
In case you aren't on Instagram, or don't follow me, here's a peek at my Insta-Life lately.
[*All photos are taken from my Instagram account.]
Received my first Creative Scripture Card in the mail this month. I love the idea of swapping scripture with women all over the country. Such a fantastic idea! It's a great way to bring the word of God to others and to meet Jesus-loving ladies :) #cscswap
Making Mr. Darcy his birthday puppy ice cream. (aka ---> frozen bananas with peanut butter and plain Greek yogurt)
We have chickens!! SIX of them. And, yes, I named them all. However, I'm sure Mr. B will never remember. I'll share details in another post. Eeekkkk!
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
[*All photos are taken from my Instagram account.]
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Monday, August 18, 2014
Re-Visited: Cooking Club #3
[Original post date Nov. 2011. --Updated 8/18/14: original, but separate, content, with updated photos and/or more details, if available.]
---> Cooking Club is coming up soon, and now that I'm blogging, I want to share these moments but I thought I should play catch-up first. So without further ado, here (and in more posts to come) is what we've been up to. Enjoy!
Cooking Club is expanding! Our new member is actually Jessica's boyfriend and a fellow co-worker. Welcome, Andrew!
It was Jenny's turn to decide on a theme and she chose apples (because of their abundance lately), which means we must have that ingredient somewhere in our recipe. This month I chose to make Giada's Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs and Spiced Apple Stir-Fry (<--- not sure where I found this recipe; it was just on a piece of scrap paper, hiding in my box of to-make-soon dishes). I couldn't decide which one I wanted to make, so I brought both.
Serves 4-5
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced (or any favorite apple will work. Also, peeling is optional. I like the texture, so I leave it on.)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (if you don't have, ground works just as well)
1/3 c sugar <--- taste your apples! I rarely use this much sugar, probably less than half. The apples lend enough sugar themselves.
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves
1/3 c apple cider
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp butter <--- I use coconut oil, and I think it's even better, more flavor.
Cut stacked apple slices into fourths; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and spices; set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk cider with cornstarch; set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apple slices and ginger and stir-fry, about 2 minutes. Stir in sugar-spice mixture and stir-fry another 2 minutes. Stir in cider mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and is slightly thickened. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream.
[I apologize for not being able to provide a photo along with this recipe. It was so good, by the time we finished filling our bellies there wasn't any left to photograph.] <--- Feast your eyes on the beautiful caramelization splendor. It tastes just as wonderful as it looks.
Cooking Club #1
Cooking Club #2
---> Cooking Club is coming up soon, and now that I'm blogging, I want to share these moments but I thought I should play catch-up first. So without further ado, here (and in more posts to come) is what we've been up to. Enjoy!
#3 September: Ingredient Apple
The Menu:
Main Course
Mango Apple Curry
Desserts
Desserts
Spiced Apple Stir-Fry
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| Look at that tasty fall stew. Yum-0 |
Cooking Club is expanding! Our new member is actually Jessica's boyfriend and a fellow co-worker. Welcome, Andrew!
It was Jenny's turn to decide on a theme and she chose apples (because of their abundance lately), which means we must have that ingredient somewhere in our recipe. This month I chose to make Giada's Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs and Spiced Apple Stir-Fry (<--- not sure where I found this recipe; it was just on a piece of scrap paper, hiding in my box of to-make-soon dishes). I couldn't decide which one I wanted to make, so I brought both.
 |
| Check out my new apron! |
You have to make this couscous. Please
make this, you will be so happy you did. Seriously. This was my first
time ever eating this new food, and now I'd eat it every day if I
could. Actually, I enjoyed this recipe so much that I make it about
three times a month. Everyone loved it; so the next time I made it, I
brought it to work to share with my co-workers. A tiny mistake on my part.
They all love it so much, that now if they find out I made some and
didn't bring it in they give me a hard time. It's so good I don't even
want to share. haha. I want to keep it all to myself. And every time I
make this dish, I thank the Lord that Mr. B isn't into trying new foods.
The
funny thing is, my best friend Jessica, not the co-worker and Cooking
Club member, my other Jessica (I know, it's hard to keep up sometimes),
called me up a week after I made this at our meeting. She was going on
and on about this couscous recipe she recently made and just knew that I would love. After she finished describing it, I realized it was the same recipe.
Yes, my friends, it is that good.
It's so good that it's listed on the menu for my last meal ever. (You know, the question: What would you eat if it was your last meal?) Yes, I must have this.
Anyhoo,
having another member in the kitchen was fun and a new learning
experience all over again. I love learning about people and what they
bring to the table, literally. This was another great meeting, and next
to my couscous, Jenny's Braised Pork and Apple Stew was killer. However,
my second dish, Spiced Apple Stir-Fry was quite tasty, and I'd love to
have this every time I eat vanilla ice cream. [Actually, this is fantastic on top of a bowl of plain Greek yogurt and sprinkled with sliced almonds. I think it gives Chobani a run for its money. The perfect healthy dessert.]
Spiced Apple Stir-Fry
Serves 4-5
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced (or any favorite apple will work. Also, peeling is optional. I like the texture, so I leave it on.)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (if you don't have, ground works just as well)
1/3 c sugar <--- taste your apples! I rarely use this much sugar, probably less than half. The apples lend enough sugar themselves.
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves
1/3 c apple cider
1 tsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp butter <--- I use coconut oil, and I think it's even better, more flavor.
Cut stacked apple slices into fourths; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and spices; set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk cider with cornstarch; set aside. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apple slices and ginger and stir-fry, about 2 minutes. Stir in sugar-spice mixture and stir-fry another 2 minutes. Stir in cider mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and is slightly thickened. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream.
[I apologize for not being able to provide a photo along with this recipe. It was so good, by the time we finished filling our bellies there wasn't any left to photograph.] <--- Feast your eyes on the beautiful caramelization splendor. It tastes just as wonderful as it looks.
*I
hope you enjoyed these Cooking Club snippets. There are many more to
come as I try to play catch-up before this month's meeting. I hope these
themes, and even Cooking Club itself, inspire you to gather with your
friends and family in the kitchen, and make sweet moments (and delicious
food) of your own.
**I've
only included the recipes to the dishes I made. Only because I'm unsure
of where everyone got theirs...and hey, we gotta give credit where
credit is due. If you have any questions about the other dishes, I'll ask the other members where they got their recipes and pass it along!
Check out our previous meetings!Cooking Club #1
Cooking Club #2
[Update: I've included the link to the French Apple Tart, a new photo of the pork stew from last week, which Mr. B devoured with a side of buttered noodles <--- follow the above link for that perfect fall recipe, and some heavenly dessert photos.]
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Dessert of the Month
It's been quite awhile since I shared a "Dessert of the Month" post with y'all. I have a fabulous one for you to sink your sweet tooth into today. Daddy sure enjoyed it.
And, I promise, it's purely coincidental that this post and my last post both involve delicious sweet treats centered around my father. Yes, he is the chocoholic in the family. Mr. B's step-dad is a huge sweets fan, as well. It's a father thing in our family.
For Father's Day last year, I made the two of them a healthier decadent Frozen Reese's Peanut Butter Pie, which just so happened to be a "Dessert of the Month" post. [Side note: I'm more of a special-treat-on-special-occasions kind of person if you haven't gathered that yet. Mainly because if I have a tasty treat in the house, I'm the only one eating it. And I will eat it. Unless I take it over to friends and family or demand for somebody to come and save me from myself.] Anyhoo, I thought since last year I made a frozen pie and it went over so well, why not just make the same thing. It can be the new Special Father's Day Dessert Tradition. But you know me. I like to try new things.
I chose to stay with the pie and frozen theme, thinking this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Pie looked good enough to attempt this past weekend. For the first time in quite awhile, I actually followed the recipe. I know, big GASP. My only alterations to this dessert were the use of light brown sugar instead of dark (because that's what was in my pantry), and I cut back on the amount of sugar by half (so it wasn't too sweet). Other than that I did everything to a tee. I made the edible cookie dough, the homemade crust, and the ice cream-like filling. It's a combo of cream cheese and Cool Whip, so it's not really ice cream, which Mr. B had to point out to me. Apparently, I gave him false information when I told him it was an ice cream pie. It was more cheesecake-y, which he does not like. Daddy isn't a fan either, but the chocolate chips, Oreo crust, and cookie dough pieces made up for it. The construction of the pie was easy and didn't take long at all. Once the cookie dough balls are formed, put them in the freezer to chill while you make the crust, and then put the crust in the freezer to chill while you make the filling. By that time everything will be cold enough to assemble. It's the waiting for the finished product to freeze that's the hard part. I recommend making this the night before, that way you're sleeping instead of checking the freezer every five minutes to see if it's ready to eat.
Overall, I'd say this pie was a success. I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would have; it's creamy, cheesecake-y, sweet, and who doesn't enjoy chunks of cookie dough? I think a graham cracker crust would work just as well if it's what you have on hand. However, it didn't get the late-night text this-is-the-best-pie-I've-ever-had review like last year's pie. Maybe I'll revisit that famous pie for our next family dinner....
Visit this link for the recipe!
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
And, I promise, it's purely coincidental that this post and my last post both involve delicious sweet treats centered around my father. Yes, he is the chocoholic in the family. Mr. B's step-dad is a huge sweets fan, as well. It's a father thing in our family.
For Father's Day last year, I made the two of them a healthier decadent Frozen Reese's Peanut Butter Pie, which just so happened to be a "Dessert of the Month" post. [Side note: I'm more of a special-treat-on-special-occasions kind of person if you haven't gathered that yet. Mainly because if I have a tasty treat in the house, I'm the only one eating it. And I will eat it. Unless I take it over to friends and family or demand for somebody to come and save me from myself.] Anyhoo, I thought since last year I made a frozen pie and it went over so well, why not just make the same thing. It can be the new Special Father's Day Dessert Tradition. But you know me. I like to try new things.
I chose to stay with the pie and frozen theme, thinking this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Pie looked good enough to attempt this past weekend. For the first time in quite awhile, I actually followed the recipe. I know, big GASP. My only alterations to this dessert were the use of light brown sugar instead of dark (because that's what was in my pantry), and I cut back on the amount of sugar by half (so it wasn't too sweet). Other than that I did everything to a tee. I made the edible cookie dough, the homemade crust, and the ice cream-like filling. It's a combo of cream cheese and Cool Whip, so it's not really ice cream, which Mr. B had to point out to me. Apparently, I gave him false information when I told him it was an ice cream pie. It was more cheesecake-y, which he does not like. Daddy isn't a fan either, but the chocolate chips, Oreo crust, and cookie dough pieces made up for it. The construction of the pie was easy and didn't take long at all. Once the cookie dough balls are formed, put them in the freezer to chill while you make the crust, and then put the crust in the freezer to chill while you make the filling. By that time everything will be cold enough to assemble. It's the waiting for the finished product to freeze that's the hard part. I recommend making this the night before, that way you're sleeping instead of checking the freezer every five minutes to see if it's ready to eat.
Overall, I'd say this pie was a success. I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would have; it's creamy, cheesecake-y, sweet, and who doesn't enjoy chunks of cookie dough? I think a graham cracker crust would work just as well if it's what you have on hand. However, it didn't get the late-night text this-is-the-best-pie-I've-ever-had review like last year's pie. Maybe I'll revisit that famous pie for our next family dinner....
Visit this link for the recipe!
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
My Beautiful Month
In case you aren't on Instagram, or don't follow me, here's a peek at my Insta-Life lately.
[*All photos are taken from my Instagram account.]
I.can.not.get.enough.of.him.
Happy 6th Birthday, Harley!
Bring on the heat.
This local ice cream joint is definitely worth the wait.
Loving the new jewelry from Premier Designs! (Don't mind my tired face. Mr. Darcy has me sleep deprived.)
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
[*All photos are taken from my Instagram account.]
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Friday, August 9, 2013
Lately, I'm Obsessed
Jeremy Renner.
He's a cutie. I can't help it. He's my favorite. And he's a great actor; I was re-watching The Unusuals episodes and am still sad the show was canceled. I really, really would have liked to see what the writers, and Jeremy, did with his character. Oh, and he can actually sing. SWOON.
Trader Joe's Dried Mango Slices.
These things. Why isn't there a Trader Joe's in the Tri-County area?! I must make the hour plus drive to find one. I feel like I need to replenish my co-workers stash.
He's a cutie. I can't help it. He's my favorite. And he's a great actor; I was re-watching The Unusuals episodes and am still sad the show was canceled. I really, really would have liked to see what the writers, and Jeremy, did with his character. Oh, and he can actually sing. SWOON.
These things are addicting. I wake up every morning and instead of reaching for my morning mug of coffee, I'm fumbling with the blender trying to get this delicious shake into my body as fast as I can. Soooooo good.
Getting organized.
Now that Summer Reading is over, I have a little downtime at work, and I'm determined to get that office organized, cart-free, and ready to go for fall. I can see my desk, the floor around my desk...and my co-worker is even inspired to organize ;)
Getting organized.
Now that Summer Reading is over, I have a little downtime at work, and I'm determined to get that office organized, cart-free, and ready to go for fall. I can see my desk, the floor around my desk...and my co-worker is even inspired to organize ;)
Straight No Chaser.
A college friend and I used to listen to this acapella group all.of.the.time instead of studying for our exams while we studied. The other day I found a mixed CD from those days and popped it in. We were reunited and I downloaded almost everything I could get my hands on.
A college friend and I used to listen to this acapella group all.of.the.time
Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Bars.
These are my favorite ice cream bars. creamy. Fluffy. Light. Delicious. Healthy-ish. Yet, I have not been able to find them anywhere, in any grocery store, at all this summer. So I settled for WW's Giant Latte Bars instead. Yes, delicious. Yes, addicting. No, I still prefer the fudge bars.
These are my favorite ice cream bars. creamy. Fluffy. Light. Delicious. Healthy-ish. Yet, I have not been able to find them anywhere, in any grocery store, at all this summer. So I settled for WW's Giant Latte Bars instead. Yes, delicious. Yes, addicting. No, I still prefer the fudge bars.
Trader Joe's Dried Mango Slices.
These things. Why isn't there a Trader Joe's in the Tri-County area?! I must make the hour plus drive to find one. I feel like I need to replenish my co-workers stash.
Young Adult Fiction.
I just finished Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and WOW. I'd definitely recommend it to any teen or adult...it's a quirky teen romance. I liked it. [A review post of my latest reads will be up soon!] Also, my book club is reading John Green's Looking For Alaska (which I just finished re-reading; I'm a big John Green fan and would suggest his book, The Fault in Our Stars, to absolutely anybody...the audio book is fantastic). I just put in the audio of Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution. I read this a few years ago and remembered I couldn't put it down. The audio is a 2011 Odyssey Honor-winner so I'm re-"listening" to that. But I've heard good things about Donnelly's A Northern Light, as well....it's somewhere on my loooong list of must-reads.
I always liked YA, but when asked what I mainly read, YA never crossed my mind. It's apparently gaining ground....
Award Winners.
Now that I finished reading every.single.Caldecott. I'm working on the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winners...why, I have no idea. Other than the fact they're mainly picture books and quicker to get through. However, I'm discovering most are poetry and quite lengthy....
I just finished Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and WOW. I'd definitely recommend it to any teen or adult...it's a quirky teen romance. I liked it. [A review post of my latest reads will be up soon!] Also, my book club is reading John Green's Looking For Alaska (which I just finished re-reading; I'm a big John Green fan and would suggest his book, The Fault in Our Stars, to absolutely anybody...the audio book is fantastic). I just put in the audio of Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution. I read this a few years ago and remembered I couldn't put it down. The audio is a 2011 Odyssey Honor-winner so I'm re-"listening" to that. But I've heard good things about Donnelly's A Northern Light, as well....it's somewhere on my loooong list of must-reads.
I always liked YA, but when asked what I mainly read, YA never crossed my mind. It's apparently gaining ground....
 |
| Image from Good Reads |
Award Winners.
Now that I finished reading every.single.Caldecott. I'm working on the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winners...why, I have no idea. Other than the fact they're mainly picture books and quicker to get through. However, I'm discovering most are poetry and quite lengthy....
Netflix.
Mr. B and I decided a month and half ago to get rid of our cable. We've been spending a lot of time watching movies through Netflix. I don't miss cable at all. I miss being able to "watch" my Cleveland Indians. Though, Netflix is helping me fuel my Renner obsession (see #1). There's a balance there somewhere.
And apparently, Zucchini Bread.
Within the last four weeks I made six loaves. Friends and family are quite demanding. And the neighbor brought over one the size of Mr. B's arm, which I baked three loaves out of AND was left with plenty of zucchini slices to freeze. (*For the record, five of those loaves were Blueberry Zucchini, and I put my foot down declaring I was trying a new bread: Yogurt Walnut Zucchini. Well worth Mr. B's objections.) If you're looking for a way to use up your zucchini, check out my Blueberry Zucchini Bread.
And apparently, Zucchini Bread.
Within the last four weeks I made six loaves. Friends and family are quite demanding. And the neighbor brought over one the size of Mr. B's arm, which I baked three loaves out of AND was left with plenty of zucchini slices to freeze. (*For the record, five of those loaves were Blueberry Zucchini, and I put my foot down declaring I was trying a new bread: Yogurt Walnut Zucchini. Well worth Mr. B's objections.) If you're looking for a way to use up your zucchini, check out my Blueberry Zucchini Bread.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Currently
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend, remembering those who have and are still defending our freedoms. Maybe you caught a parade, grilled out, and spent time with family and friends. My hubby and I kicked off the weekend with a yard sale (cha-ching), and then we went boating with his mom and step-dad. The day was quite chilly with occasional drizzle, but it was quite nice relaxing and finally enjoying a three-day weekend.
I decided Memorial weekend cannot be celebrated without ice cream, so on Saturday I made two batches: Strawberry-Lime and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake (which I blogged about here). I don't think my ice cream maker bowl was cold enough because the batter never thickened. I placed it in the freezer anyways and it turned into this ice-like texture. Not good for ice cream. But was quite tasty as a milkshake. Overall, it was a great holiday weekend.
So, here's a currently post to get this short week started! (Read my previous post here.)
I'm currently....
Watching.... nothing really, except some baseball. I've lost interest in TV, and the shows are getting more and more ridiculous. But, I am interested in Dwayne Johnson's new show, The Hero, which begins this Thursday on TNT.
Eating.... This Baked Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta. Except I tried to make it a little healthier and skimped on some of the cheese. It needs the cheese. I like cheesy pasta.
Planning.... my Yogi Kids programs. They're part of this summer's reading program agenda and I'm having a blast looking at all of the fun yoga games we can play. It's on Tuesday evenings, so I'm hoping we can get outside a few times and enjoy some nice weather.
Reading.... I'm in the middle of finishing Killing Kennedy, and just picked up part two of Outlander's seventh installment on audio. Yes, I'm still trekking through these, and the new one comes out in a few months!
Inspired by....today's Bible devotional. Since I joined everyone else and finally bought a smart phone, I downloaded The Bible app. The.Best.Thing.Ever. I'm doing five different daily devotionals, and I have them set throughout the day, so I'm constantly reflecting on God's word. The following is from this morning's "Hearing From God Each Morning" devotional: Your worst day with God will be better than your worst day without Him. I don't think any sentence has ever been truer.
Excited about...."Dig Into Reading!" Our summer reading program for the kiddos this summer. We've been decorating (as you can see from the above picture) and planning like crazy, and the library's kick-off party is next week. I cannot wait for the kids to experience all of the fun stuff we have for them this summer. Not sure who is more excited....me or the kids?
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A Cake Perfect for Mr. B
Last week we celebrated Mr. B's birthday.
And, like me, Mr. B does not like cake for his birthday.
(I keep trying to tell everyone this, just because you bring over a cake doesn't mean we're going to eat it. Save your money. Give it to Mr. B.)
Mr. B loves chocolate chip cookies. It seems to be the only "dessert" he'll eat...besides vanilla ice cream. But only every once in a while. (He crazy.) So, back when we first started dating and I discovered his strong dislike for cake and his love for chocolate chip cookies I started buying him the frosted cookies you can get at the grocery store.
And lately for the past six years that has been his birthday cake..err, cookie. (Except for when others bring cake....)
But I thought I'd surprise him and change it up this year. (Actually, it's more like I'm bored and need something different. Wait, whose birthday is it.....)
BUT, last year we both agreed that the frosting was getting way too sweet, and although it looked nice, most of it ended up in the garbage.
So I put on my thinking cap for this year's "cake." What else does my hubby like? Rice krispy treats.
I know this because I made a pan of them once (like two years ago) and they didn't last 24 hours.
I was like, "Gee, babe, I didn't know you liked rice krispy treats so much."
And he was like, "Oh, I do."
So...krispies and vanilla ice cream and "cake."
It's genius, I know.
And right up Mr. B's alley.
Crispy Ice Cream Cake
Serves a crowd
1 favorite marshmallow crispy recipe (mine is your basic melted butter combined with marshmallows and added to about 6 cups of Crisp Rice....we're on a budget over here)
1 tub of your favorite ice cream (Mr. B is a vanilla kind of guy. But I used Neapolitan to spruce it up a bit...a little more color...and flavor.)
Garnishes: whipped cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, and sliced strawberries (nuts are optional)
Once you've made your marshmallow crispies, butter a pie dish or cake pan and spread the crispies evenly, allowing it to cool completely. When ready to serve, scoop mounds of ice cream on top of cooled crispies. Fill in holes with dollops of whipped cream topped with strawberries. Drizzle on hot fudge and caramel sauce, followed by sprinkles and nuts.
*Note: This can either be done in the pan or you can cut the crispies, allowing everyone to top their own with whatever they desire. Kind of like a rice crispy bar. YUM.
Score, right?
So when he walked in the door I surprised him with his birthday cake. But he didn't want any of the garnishes. Just a krispy and vanilla ice cream. But I convinced him he needed the other stuff for the sake of a picture.
After he blew out the candle. He took a bite. "Man, that's sweet."
Yes, I ate his while he ate just the rice krispies.
Ugh, back to the drawing board.
Happy birthday, babe.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
And, like me, Mr. B does not like cake for his birthday.
(I keep trying to tell everyone this, just because you bring over a cake doesn't mean we're going to eat it. Save your money. Give it to Mr. B.)
Mr. B loves chocolate chip cookies. It seems to be the only "dessert" he'll eat...besides vanilla ice cream. But only every once in a while. (He crazy.) So, back when we first started dating and I discovered his strong dislike for cake and his love for chocolate chip cookies I started buying him the frosted cookies you can get at the grocery store.
 |
| Last year's cookie. |
But I thought I'd surprise him and change it up this year. (Actually, it's more like I'm bored and need something different. Wait, whose birthday is it.....)
BUT, last year we both agreed that the frosting was getting way too sweet, and although it looked nice, most of it ended up in the garbage.
So I put on my thinking cap for this year's "cake." What else does my hubby like? Rice krispy treats.
I know this because I made a pan of them once (like two years ago) and they didn't last 24 hours.
I was like, "Gee, babe, I didn't know you liked rice krispy treats so much."
And he was like, "Oh, I do."
So...krispies and vanilla ice cream and "cake."
It's genius, I know.
And right up Mr. B's alley.
Crispy Ice Cream Cake
Serves a crowd
1 favorite marshmallow crispy recipe (mine is your basic melted butter combined with marshmallows and added to about 6 cups of Crisp Rice....we're on a budget over here)
1 tub of your favorite ice cream (Mr. B is a vanilla kind of guy. But I used Neapolitan to spruce it up a bit...a little more color...and flavor.)
Garnishes: whipped cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, and sliced strawberries (nuts are optional)
Once you've made your marshmallow crispies, butter a pie dish or cake pan and spread the crispies evenly, allowing it to cool completely. When ready to serve, scoop mounds of ice cream on top of cooled crispies. Fill in holes with dollops of whipped cream topped with strawberries. Drizzle on hot fudge and caramel sauce, followed by sprinkles and nuts.
*Note: This can either be done in the pan or you can cut the crispies, allowing everyone to top their own with whatever they desire. Kind of like a rice crispy bar. YUM.
Score, right?
So when he walked in the door I surprised him with his birthday cake. But he didn't want any of the garnishes. Just a krispy and vanilla ice cream. But I convinced him he needed the other stuff for the sake of a picture.
After he blew out the candle. He took a bite. "Man, that's sweet."
Yes, I ate his while he ate just the rice krispies.
Ugh, back to the drawing board.
Happy birthday, babe.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Blogger Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream
Better known as Utter Deliciousness.
In the summer, usually the only thing I'm in the mood to eat is ice cream because it's so darn hot. (I usually melt right along with it.) But who am I kidding, homemade ice cream is perfect anytime...even on the coldest nights in January. YUM.
Ice cream makes a perfect dinner, too. (Mr. B begs to differ.)
One of my absolute favorite combinations is chocolate and peanut butter. Adding cream cheese to the mix puts it over the top. But what I really liked about this Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream is that you can barely taste the chocolate.
I like chocolate, but I love peanut butter! So this ice cream was perfect. (Of course, if you're the chocolate type, you can always add more...maybe some chocolate chips or a chocolate ripple.)
I also reduced the amount of sugar I put into the base because the peanut butter is already sweet, and since I'm used to almond butter now (which isn't sweet), it was definitely sweet enough.
I think next time I'll make it even more fantastic by putting it in a graham cracker crust and garnishing it with a hot fudge drizzle.
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream
*recipe slightly adapted from Espresso & Cream
2 c 1% chocolate milk
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 c heavy cream
4 oz Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
In small bowl combine 2 Tbsp of milk and cornstarch until smooth; set aside. In large saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining milk, sugar and extract. Bring to a boil and continue to cook for four minutes, stirring frequently. Make sure it doesn't boil over! After four minutes, remove from heat and whisk in cornstarch mixture. Return to a boil and continue to boil one to two minutes until mixture slightly thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Whisk in cream. Pour mixture into bowl. (The original recipe calls for you to strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, but I didn't see the need.) Place mixture in refrigerator and chill 8-12 hours.
Transfer chilled mixture to bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Store mixture in an air tight container in freezer.
*Brace yourself. You'll probably eat the whole thing.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
In the summer, usually the only thing I'm in the mood to eat is ice cream because it's so darn hot. (I usually melt right along with it.) But who am I kidding, homemade ice cream is perfect anytime...even on the coldest nights in January. YUM.
Ice cream makes a perfect dinner, too. (Mr. B begs to differ.)
One of my absolute favorite combinations is chocolate and peanut butter. Adding cream cheese to the mix puts it over the top. But what I really liked about this Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream is that you can barely taste the chocolate.
I like chocolate, but I love peanut butter! So this ice cream was perfect. (Of course, if you're the chocolate type, you can always add more...maybe some chocolate chips or a chocolate ripple.)
I also reduced the amount of sugar I put into the base because the peanut butter is already sweet, and since I'm used to almond butter now (which isn't sweet), it was definitely sweet enough.
I think next time I'll make it even more fantastic by putting it in a graham cracker crust and garnishing it with a hot fudge drizzle.
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake Ice Cream
*recipe slightly adapted from Espresso & Cream
2 c 1% chocolate milk
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 c heavy cream
4 oz Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
In small bowl combine 2 Tbsp of milk and cornstarch until smooth; set aside. In large saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining milk, sugar and extract. Bring to a boil and continue to cook for four minutes, stirring frequently. Make sure it doesn't boil over! After four minutes, remove from heat and whisk in cornstarch mixture. Return to a boil and continue to boil one to two minutes until mixture slightly thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Whisk in cream. Pour mixture into bowl. (The original recipe calls for you to strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, but I didn't see the need.) Place mixture in refrigerator and chill 8-12 hours.
Transfer chilled mixture to bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Store mixture in an air tight container in freezer.
*Brace yourself. You'll probably eat the whole thing.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Greek Yogurt Sundae
It's that time of year again when everyone's ice cream cravings kick in.
Problem is, my ice cream cravings are year-round, baby. A scoop or two any night and I'm a happy camper. However that bowlful of cold deliciousness isn't the most healthiest snack option...nor is it fillingwhich is why I tend to have two.
Back in February I found my solution. I was craving, and I mean about-to-send-Mr. B-to-the-store-kind-of-craving, some ice cream and found our freezer empty. Which truthfully is not a shocker because I know how I am with ice cream, so unless I make it homemade in the summer (why only in the summer you gasp...because I know how I am with ice cream and my waistline can only afford it for a season or two), we rarely have any in the fridge. [Mr. B doesn't understand. He never craves ice cream. But I still married him anyway : P ]
Back to my solution. Greek Yogurt. Yes.
I take plain Greek Yogurt and toss on a handful of fresh fruit (whatever is in season), add some granola, sprinkle of ground flax seed, a spoonful of almond butter, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. I promise you, you won't know you're not eating ice cream. Lick-the-bottom-of-the-bowl good.
Greek Yogurt Sundae
Serves 1
1/2 c plain Greek yogurt
1/4 c fresh fruit
1 Tbsp granola or nuts
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 tsp ground flax seed
scant drizzle of chocolate syrup
Place ingredients in a bowl and indulge.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
Problem is, my ice cream cravings are year-round, baby. A scoop or two any night and I'm a happy camper. However that bowlful of cold deliciousness isn't the most healthiest snack option...nor is it filling
Back in February I found my solution. I was craving, and I mean about-to-send-Mr. B-to-the-store-kind-of-craving, some ice cream and found our freezer empty. Which truthfully is not a shocker because I know how I am with ice cream, so unless I make it homemade in the summer (why only in the summer you gasp...because I know how I am with ice cream and my waistline can only afford it for a season or two), we rarely have any in the fridge. [Mr. B doesn't understand. He never craves ice cream. But I still married him anyway : P ]
Back to my solution. Greek Yogurt. Yes.
I take plain Greek Yogurt and toss on a handful of fresh fruit (whatever is in season), add some granola, sprinkle of ground flax seed, a spoonful of almond butter, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. I promise you, you won't know you're not eating ice cream. Lick-the-bottom-of-the-bowl good.
Serves 1
1/2 c plain Greek yogurt
1/4 c fresh fruit
1 Tbsp granola or nuts
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 tsp ground flax seed
scant drizzle of chocolate syrup
Place ingredients in a bowl and indulge.
With Love and God Bless,
Brindi
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