Sunsets and Suntans.
It's officially Summertime. There's always time when we're on Summertime. It's like a magical time zone where days are long and nights are cool. Where sunsets are made of cotton candy clouds and violet watercolour skies. Where the grass is green and the flowers greet you with a smile. Where the popsicles are always cold and the the sun is always hot.
The sun wakes up at 5am and doesn't go to sleep until 11pm. You can stay in bed til noon and still have enough time in the day to get everything done. People mow their lawns at 11pm and go grocery shopping at 7:30am.
Nap in the comfort of the warm sun. Let your ice cream melt. Roll down the windows and let the warm breeze get tangled in your hair. Get a sunglasses tan. Have dinner at 9pm. Track sand into the car. Get dirt under your nails. Who cares? We're on Summertime!
In the spirit of lazy Summer days I've made Cherry Almond White Chocolate Ice Cream. Pink and sweet just like a sunset.
Cherry Almond White Chocolate Ice Cream
Makes about 15 servings.
Source: Adapted from Kitchen Aid's French Vanilla Ice Cream.
2 cup half and half cream
7 egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cup heavy cream
1 vanilla bean
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup bing cherries, pitted and chopped
1 cup cherry puree
3/4 cup white chocolate chunks
1/4 cup almonds, sliced and toasted
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In a medium sauce pan heat the half and half cream and whole vanilla bean on medium heat until it's very hot but not boiling. Take it off the heat and set aside the vanilla bean.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg yolks and sugar on low speed until they're blended and slightly thick, about 30 seconds. Pour the hot cream gradually into the egg yolk mixture while it's mixing on low.
Slice open the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds with the edge of your knife. Stir in the vanilla seeds, whipping cream and salt then refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Once it's sufficiently chilled mix it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the last few minutes of mixing add the cherries, puree, chocolate and almonds.
Serve it however tickles your fancy. Enjoy!
July 4th, 2011 - 14:13
This looks AWESOME. And seriously, your cherry picture at the top is stunning.
July 4th, 2011 - 16:22
Thank you Joanne! That’s my favourite too.
July 4th, 2011 - 14:22
Beautiful! Love the melty ice cream. Wish I could be your taste-tester.
July 4th, 2011 - 16:22
Thanks Heather! Come on over! I still have lots you can try.
July 4th, 2011 - 16:50
I’ll be right over!
July 4th, 2011 - 14:46
It’s been hotter than the surface of the sun here (ok, bit of a hyperbole) so I could really really really use some of that ice cream right now!
July 4th, 2011 - 16:24
Ouch that does sound hot!
July 4th, 2011 - 17:04
I am so excited about this recipe! I am a huge fan of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia, so I cannot wait to try it
July 4th, 2011 - 17:43
Me too! That’s my favourite ice cream ever.
July 4th, 2011 - 18:30
*wants ice cream now, wants ice cream now, wants ice cream now* Ya know… for some reason, this post is making me want ice cream
July 4th, 2011 - 19:43
How odd! I have no idea why that might happen.
July 4th, 2011 - 18:53
Love your pics–beautiful job! If you take a look, you’ll see great minds think alike this holiday weekend (I made cherry almond gelato).
HA HA!
July 4th, 2011 - 19:45
Cool! Thanks Katty.
July 4th, 2011 - 22:33
Those pictures are amazing! They are making me sooo hungry
It’s winter down here in Aus, so I’m imagining them with some yummy hot fudge sauce. Mmm.
July 5th, 2011 - 11:32
Mmm that sounds good!
July 5th, 2011 - 00:51
Awesome ice cream recipe! I love it… And that first picture of the cherries – WOW! Incredible picture! Thank you for sharing this
July 5th, 2011 - 03:01
Holy mackerel! I’m in love with all these pictures, especially the first one! Hooray for summertime and ice cream!
July 5th, 2011 - 07:03
I love how drippy and delicious it is! Lovely ice cream! Buzzed
July 5th, 2011 - 07:09
Great photos! Remind me of fun summer magazine shots. They definitely make me want to go out a get some ice cream.
July 5th, 2011 - 16:42
Wow thank you so much Emily!
July 5th, 2011 - 08:50
Oh, this sounds like an incredible flavor…and your photos do a hard sell. Just amazing…
July 5th, 2011 - 10:52
Amazing! What a way to capture the feeling of summer. I love summer (and ice cream!)
July 5th, 2011 - 11:23
I’m loving the melty ice cream, too! And the flavor. And the cherry nail polish. And the idea of the sun setting at 11 pm. Wow! We say so long to the sun at about 8:30 pm over here, I can’t imagine another 2.5 hours!
July 5th, 2011 - 16:42
It is pretty crazy right? I love it! Although it also means our winters are so dark.
July 5th, 2011 - 11:37
Delicious! And SUPER awesome photos!
July 5th, 2011 - 13:50
This looks sooo delicious and your pictures are brilliant!!
July 6th, 2011 - 09:38
Wow what a great presentation, and lovely ice-cream..wonderful!!!
congrats on top 9!!!
July 6th, 2011 - 10:37
Thank you Sandra!
July 6th, 2011 - 10:10
This looks like just the thing I need on a day like today. I’m normally not a white chocolate fan but the flavor combo here is fantastic!
July 6th, 2011 - 10:38
Thanks Brian! You could always try it with milk or dark chocolate.
July 6th, 2011 - 13:56
Freaking Perfect! And great light. Is it natural?
I want some so badly. Save some for me?
July 6th, 2011 - 14:47
Why thank you Mariko! Yes the light is natural and diffused with a white sheet.
July 6th, 2011 - 17:57
Wow! This looks amazing. I just got some cherries and this is so on my list to indulge them with. Love the post.
July 6th, 2011 - 20:07
I love cherries! I hope you enjoy your ice cream!
July 7th, 2011 - 20:12
Looks like you had lots of fun getting creative with your photography. This ice cream flavor sounds and looks just soooo delicious. I think I’ll be dreaming about white chocolate and cherries tonight.
July 24th, 2011 - 04:48
Amazing photos!