Sunday, July 24, 2011

Refreshing Delights


Cool treats on a hot summer day are always welcome in my household!  My son Steven asked to make ice cream, so we did!  He took the wheel on this endeavor, and mixed with his talent he created the most amazing flavors!  The machine we used was a Cuisinart ice cream maker.

Here's the recipe:

1 1/2 C whole milk
1 1/8 C granulated sugar
1 1/2 C heavy cream
1 1/2 C half and half
1 1/2 T pure vanilla extract
(usually recipes would call for all heavy cream, but by mixing with half and half, it cuts down the sweetness)

In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes.  Stir in the heavy cream, half and half and vanilla.  Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened , about 20-25 minutes.  The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture .  If a firmer consistency is desired , transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in the freezer.

NOW:  For Steven's creative flavor...Lemon Raspberry...ahhh refreshing!  He added the juice of one lemon at the beginning of the process, then towards the end of the cycle of freezing he added 3 oz of fresh raspberries.  When you're adding "chunky" additions to your basic vanilla flavored ice cream, always add the ingredients at the end.  

The second flavor he made was mango.  He used the basic vanilla recipe, but at the end he added one mango that he finely chopped.  So delish!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Yummy Cupcakes

My daughter Kelly participated in a bake off at work and this is the recipe she used.  She found it online on the Pillsbury website..Enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c Pillsbury BEST All purpose flour
1/3 c Hershey's baking cocoa
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 c Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil
1 c water
1 T white vinegar
1/2 Pure Vanilla extract
1 Egg
1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3/4 c jiff creamy peanut butter
1/3 c sugar
1/3 c powdered sugar
1/4 c peanut butter chips
1/4 c semi sweet chocolate baking chips

Directions:
Heat oven to 350F.  Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular size muffin cups.

In large bowl, mix flour, cocoa, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.  Add oil, water, vinegar and vanilla to flour mixture, stirring just until smooth (do not overmix)

In another bowl, beat egg, cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.  Add powdered sugar: beat until creamy.

Spoon 1 level Tablespoon chocolate batter into each cup; evenly spread 1 level Tablespoon peanut butter filling on top.  Repeat layers. Sprinkle with peanut butter chips and chocolate chips.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (do not overbake) Cool in pan 15 minutes.  Remove from pan to cooling rack; cool 15 minutes.  Serve warm or cool!