{delightful} peach ice cream & almond crunch

I know you are saying again with the peaches. But hey I am in texas ... peaches are one of the crops that we do right. And ice cream ... well the heat index did reach 105 yesterday - i say i am justified!

Making ice cream is fun and so good. I personally like it when its in its mushy stage like above. It tasted like the best fresh peach milkshake there is. Yes just like my secret indulgence from before ... I like having the first taste. Cool, creamy, sweet with the comforting taste of peach.

There aren't many times when I think the taste of a fruit match the smell except where peaches are concerned. A good ripe peach will let you know. You can smell, the sun and sweetness just by touching that fuzzy skin to your nose. Hmmmmmmm.

peach ice cream with almond crunch by ann west

Ice Cream

1 -2 lbs peaches nicely ripe, peeled and pitted reserving both

lemon juice

2 1/2 cups whipping cream

1/2 cup whole milk

vanilla bean or paste

5 large egg yolks

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

sliced almonds

brown sugar

butter

Place the peach slices in a bowl with lemon juice. Combine peach pits and skins and add the cream and milk and vanilla (I use the so easy vanilla bean paste!) 2 tsp. Simmer these on low for 20 minutes. Then strain.

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and gradually mix in hot cream mixture. Return the mixture to the heat and stir the custard constantly for 7 minutes or so until the mixture starts to thicken. Strain into a bowl and mix in the corn syrup and chill until cold. (I made this the night before even)

Takes about 2/3 of the sliced peaches and puree and whisk in to the custard. Dice the remaining peaches and fold in. Transfer to your ice cream maker and use their instructions to freeze. Once done - try not to eat is all right then - and transfer to another container to freeze.

The almond crunch has not real measurements. I use about 1/2 stick butter a couple of handful of sliced almonds and about 1/4 cup brown sugar. I brown the almonds in the butter and the sugar and let it caramelize. Then remove and lay out on parchment paper (it will be hot so be careful!) Sprinkle with a little sea salt. Once cool scoop your ice cream and add some crunch.

A Texas summer in a scoop!

{delightful} coconut ice cream balls

The last day of spring break looked something like this....

Unbelievable... and it is 65 degrees today...

We had one last shot at the winter wonderland...

Here is a simple and quick way to have fun and dress up ice cream. I was inspired by the snow on those beautiful pink flowers. This is a beautiful dessert to serve at a dinner party or make it more casual for kids with sprinkles. I would probably serve this in a puddle of chocolate fudge sauce or my favorite liquor.

Coconut Ice Cream Balls by ann west

Soften your favorite ice cream.

Toast your fresh coconut

Roll your ice cream ball in the coconut (or nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles or a combo)

Immediately return to freezer and let set.

Serve in a puddle of kitty's hot fudge sauce. Or for an adult version serve with your favorite liquor. Enjoy!

{delightful} ice cream mint pie

It's my 11 year-olds 11th birthday today. New Years Eve baby. 11 - growing, football, baseball, anything outdoors. Eating, watching tv, playing games... muscles, leg hair (yikes) - growing up. He is a wonderful boy with a huge heart and a hard worker to boot. It is always a special day!!!! Happy Birthday big boy... don't grow up too quickly.

chocolate mint ice cream pie by ann west

crust

1 package famous wafer chocolate cookies

4 - 5 tbls butter

In a food processor blend the wafers and add the butter

press this mixture into a pie dish and freeze (10 min)

filling

1 quart of mint chocolate chip ice cream (or peppermint or any other yummy icecream) - softened

1 jar good quality fudge sauce ( or make your own) - room temperature

once crust is set gently spoon in ice cream and freeze again. (30 min)

once ice cream is set gently spoons and spread hot fudge and freeze again.

pile on some whip cream and enjoy! - also if you want to dress it up a bit try drizzling with some creme de menthe!