Cherry Cordial Ice Cream Coke Float ~ a fun spin on the classic ice cream drink

It's been sunny, warm and humid today.  After going for a walk this afternoon, we got back to the house looking for something to drink.  Roy came up with a refreshing, cool, yummy beverage that really hit the spot.  He was going for a root beer float kinda drink, but since we only had Coke and Cherry Cordial ice cream in the fridge (sugar free & lower fat) ~ so, that's what he used.  He threw in some ice cubes too, so it looks like a bigger treat that it really is.  It was an unexpected hit!  We really liked the flavor combo of the Coke with the cherry ice cream...I think it might be my new favorite way to enjoy a 'cherry' coke.  More real-time creating in our kitchen.  Thanks, Dad!

Celebrating New Year's Day ~ Pennsylvania Dutch Style ~ Guest Cook Post

Our friend, Barbara, invited us over to her home to celebrate New Year's Day.  She made her traditional New Year's family meal, full of Pennsylvania Dutch flavors.  We had a fantastic time, enjoying ~ great conversation; beautiful winter views on the lake; a home full of holiday spirit; great food and wine; and delightful desserts.

Barbara, thanks again for inviting us to share in your family's tradition!  What a wonderful way to start the New Year.   x/o

 

I didn't get Barbara's actual recipe for the dessert she made, but, I did find recipes for Apple Crisp with Pecans and for Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream that sound pretty close to the flavors of the desserts we enjoyed.

As you can see from all the photos, Barbara is a marvelous cook and hostess.  Everything she prepared was wonderful.  My son was all over the baked brie and Barbara also made him some homemade root beer that he went nuts for.  Now he wants me to buy one of those do-it-yourself soda machines, too.  :)  Between me and my foodie friends, I think we're teaching my young son to be a budding gourmand... and that's a good thing!   Here's wishing everyone a fantastic 2013!

 

Enjoying 'Ice Cream' made from bananas ~ Strawberry Cacao Nib & Matcha Green Tea ~ non-dairy frozen treats

Strawberry Banana 'Ice Cream' ~ it's amazing that so few ingredients can make such a wonderful frozen dessert.  It really gives 'real ice cream' a run for it's money.

My friend, Denise, posted a photo recipe, from Incredible Smoothies, on Facebook the other day.  I took one look at it & was in the kitchen within minutes, making a tweaked version.  The original version was called ~ Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream & used 2 frozen bananas (sliced), 1/2 cup frozen cherries and about 4 tablespoons coconut water, blended in a food processor until creamy & then topped with cacao nibs.

Well, I was all out of frozen cherries, (Yeah, I know.  You'd think I would've had some, considering all the stuff I can pull out of the freezer & pantry on the fly! :) so I substituted frozen strawberries.  This vegan, raw, non-dairy, banana based 'ice cream' turned out really good.  The banana flavor disappeared, just leaving the creaminess behind & the strawberry flavor was nice.  Next time I get frozen cherries, I will definitely try making this again.  You could just as easily use plain water, or another liquid in the recipe, since the coconut water didn't seem to add anything that I could tell.  The cacao nibs added a surprisingly nice, crunchy texture to the dessert, but you couldn't really taste the dark chocolate flavor much...that is until you had to pick the nib bits out of your back teeth ~  not that that's a bad thing, it was just unexpected.  Even with that being said, I'd still add the cacao nibs for the unusual crunch they provided.

Matcha Green Tea Banana 'Ice Cream' ~ this is one of my favorite ice cream flavors, so simple, yet exotic.

Once I made one banana ice cream, I decided I might as well make another.  One of my favorite 'real' ice creams is Green Tea Ice Cream, so I looked around & found a recipe for Matcha Green Tea Banana 'Ice Cream'  that also used bananas & had the same basic makeup as the previous frozen delight.  I only added the matcha green tea powder to the recipe, since that is all that I had at the house.  It's not quite the same green tea ice cream that I get at the Chinese restaurant, but it satisfied my craving for that subtle, exotic ice cream flavor.   With this summer weather being as it is, I'm looking for desserts that will help to make us all feel a little bit cooler.  Using frozen fruits, in this unusual way, makes having a sweet treat at the end of a meal so easy & so very tasty, just how I like it.  :)

Dutch Apple Pie Yogurt Smoothie

Way back in the 80's, I remember going to TCBY to get frozen yogurt, it was one of the places we used to go on date night.  Their frozen yogurt is amazing & I was hooked on the first bite.  There was nothing better than driving to the beach, enjoying a Southern California summer night, listening to music & getting a big bowl of frozen yogurt to share.  I know it sounds like a cliche, but that's really what we did when we were young.  Growing up in Los Angeles had its advantages... :)

Our local TCBY had the most amazing flavor ~ Dutch Apple Pie ~ it was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.  I was never tempted to order anything else.  There was something about that combination of creamy, smooth frozen yogurt with the flavors of apple & cinnamon, it made me forget everything else. Chocolate ~ No way!  Vanilla ~ Are you kidding?  My heart belonged to Dutch Apple Pie...

It's been many, many years since I've been to a TCBY to have their frozen yogurt.  I just went to their website & it looks like the Dutch Apple Pie flavor has been retired from the menu.  That's really too bad, so many are missing out on that great taste.

After wandering down memory lane, I refused to let the taste memory die...I decided I could still enjoy that flavor combo, but in one of my smoothies.  It might not be the original frozen yogurt flavor that I still crave, but it's pretty darn close.   Next time, I'll have to try putting the Dutch Apple Pie Yogurt Smoothie in my ice cream maker for a frozen delight...Oh, yeah!    Enjoy!

Dutch Apple Pie Yogurt Smoothie

serves 2

inspired by my memories of eating TCBY's Dutch Apple Pie frozen yogurt

• 1 cup fat free milk
• 1/2 cup plain fat free yogurt
• 3/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• 2 Tbsp oatmeal
• 1/4 frozen banana, sliced
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 packet Equal (or you favorite sweetener)
• 6 ice cubes

Throw all ingredients into blender & blend until smooth & frosty.  Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon before serving.

Valentine's Day Cocktails ~ Get Tickled Pink

White Zin ~ Darling of the 80's

Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  If you are looking for something a bit unusual... Maybe, a little retro... Maybe, a little ~ Pretty in Pink ~ to help you celebrate... Possibly one of these festive libations will tickle your fancy...

Rosy Glow

           Rosy Glow   

I concocted this drink for our Valentine's Day enjoyment, but it would be fun any time you need a little pink pastel pick-me-up.  It truly is  Pretty in Pink!


INGREDIENTS
4  shots 7 UP
1  shot vodka
½ shot maraschino cherry juice
½ teaspoon culinary rose water

INSTRUCTIONS
Pour all over ice in mixing glass. Stir and divide between two champagne flutes or on the rocks in your favorite cocktail glass

Pink Squirrel

Pink Squirrel
If you are feeling the Mad Men love, why not try this 1960's classic pink cocktail favorite.   I can just hear Betty Draper ordering it now... Just try not to crack a smile when you order this drink.  I know it might be hard with a name like Pink Squirrel... heehee ~ Nope, I couldn't keep a straight face either.

INGREDIENTS
¾ oz crème de noyaux
¾ oz crème de cacao
½ oz vodka
1 oz fresh cream

INSTRUCTIONS
Pour all over ice in mixing glass. Stir and serve in martini glass.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Shake ~ recipe from Hungry Girl

   




             PB & J Shake    
A perfect match ~ made in heaven ~ if ever there was one!  Strawberry jam makes this such a fun & tasty treat for those who are too young to drink, or for those who are just young at heart....


Enjoy!!

Super Simple Strawberry Sherbet ~ A Valentine's Day Delight!

Super Simple Strawberry Sherbet

Super Simple Strawberry Sherbet ~ This is so good!  It's one of the best frozen desserts I have ever made.  It really couldn't be any easier to make. Frozen strawberries, a little strawberry yogurt, water & agave.  Give them a quick spin in the food processor. That's it.  Amazing flavor & texture. It's a healthy, low fat, low calorie, low carb, heart friendly dessert.   What's not to love?

Speaking of love...  Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, how about making this part of your Valentine's Day menu.  Strawberries & Valentine's Day go hand in hand. The color is a perfect shade of pink & who doesn't love pink this time of year?   

Our local markets are really pushing the fresh strawberries right now.  Maybe you will be lucky enough to find some sales in your area, too.  If you can't get a hold of fresh strawberries to freeze at home, just get a pound bag of whole frozen, unsweetened ones.  Both kinds taste great.  This is a great recipe for vegetarian / vegans, just use soy yogurt in place of regular yogurt.
  
I think I hear the bag of frozen strawberries calling my name.  Time to make some more...

Enjoy!