Although the day had started out with a pleasant breeze, by Saturday evening the heat and humidity had drifted back in. We were more than willing to try to beat the heat with a bowl (or two - who's counting?) of homemade ice cream!
So we got the sun porch ready and filled our gallon-and-a-half freezer with maple walnut ice cream* and waited for Ron's mom and his brothers and sisters and their spouses to gather. (A couple of our guests were bringing ice cream too!)
We had four gallons of ice cream and a few cookies for good measure (a balanced diet and all that), and the evening was filled with chatter and laughter and yumminess!
Do you know of a better way to beat the heat?
* About the maple walnut ice cream...
Several years ago, we went to a local ice cream shop that serves homemade ice cream. It was in September and they were featuring some autumn flavors. I chose pumpkin pie ice cream and I was not disappointed; it was delicious! However, Ron let me have a bite of his maple walnut ice cream ~swoon~ and I (even though I totally love pumpkin), decided that his was better!
I decided to try to make our own version of the maple walnut ice cream for our party. I simmered about 1 1/2 cups of maple syrup in a heavy pot until it reduced by about half, and added it to our vanilla ice cream recipe. I toasted a cup of walnuts and added them just before churning.
It was good, but if I make it again I'll double the amount of maple syrup for a more intense maple flavor!
I decided to try to make our own version of the maple walnut ice cream for our party. I simmered about 1 1/2 cups of maple syrup in a heavy pot until it reduced by about half, and added it to our vanilla ice cream recipe. I toasted a cup of walnuts and added them just before churning.
It was good, but if I make it again I'll double the amount of maple syrup for a more intense maple flavor!
This is definitely a good and yummy way to beat the heat! That maple walnut sounds delicious...
ReplyDeleteLove that framed black board!
What happened to Kati's arm?
ReplyDeleteWell, no, I can't think of any more pleasant way to beat the heat and humidity. It was so humid today that I thought I'd keel over. Have you tried salty caramel? Oh it is so good. I think the richer maple flavor would be so delicious and I know that you will experiment with that. Your touches of autumn decor are lovely.
Kati sprained her hand at work back in the spring. Over the weekend, it started feeling a little wonky so I encouraged her to wear her brace to prevent a new injury. (She recently began a new job; she doesn't have time for an injury!)
DeleteI do hope Miss Kati's arm is better soon.
ReplyDeleteYour fall decor is so pretty, Cheryl. With this hot and humid weather I must get on the bandwagon and decorate. I did manage to buy a few baby pumpkins at the farmer's market.
The ice cream freezers all full of goodness is making me hungry. Maple walnut sounds so good! Enjoy tweaking that recipe. ♥
Oh my goodness you've gotten me almost tasting that over here. I can just imagine it was WONDERFUL. What a fun way to spend the evening. I really love your screened porch! Soo homey and comfy looking, and the Fall decor is lovely. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteI had some homemade ice cream tonight. Yours sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteYour catchy title drew me in, not that I wouldn't have come anyway! I bet you are just loving that sunporch. The ice cream array sounds delicious and for sure it's the best on a hot summer evening--or almost fall--and actually we like it any time of the year! All your "autumnal" touches are lovely.
ReplyDelete