arctic dainty

I absolutely love making ice cream. After the old ice cream maker I requisitioned from mom and dad became too temperamental to use, Chip and I bought an attachment for the KitchenAid that works like a dream (other than actually getting the ice cream mixture into the bowl to freeze...I always make a huge mess). I've made green tea ice cream, ginger ice cream, lemon ice cream, pumpkin ice cream, coffee ice cream...

And today's recipe recommendation: spicy strawberry. If you read the blog thoughts that go with the recipe, you'll understand the inspiration and may even be curious enough to try it yourself. Chip suggested balsamic vinegar instead of Worcestershire sauce, and I think that was a great idea. Next time I do this, I'll use less red pepper flakes (or get milder ones) and will mix the strawberry sauce in the ice cream by hand so it's more stripey.

Nothing like fresh strawberries!

Book recommendation: On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
Recipe recommendation:

Spicy Strawberry Ice Cream
Restaurant recommendation: Zumpano's

expiate

Thanks to the ransom note generator

Book recommendation: Sammy Keyes and the Psycho Kitty Queen by Wendeline Van Draanen
Recipe recommendation: Pappardelle with Tomatoes
New product recommendation: Summer Shandy (Leinenkugel)

gumshoe tally

It's just about summer time again, and this year the theme is mysteries! I have several different kinds of things planned for this summer, including a couple of mystery parties, a board game afternoon (Clue, anyone?) and a Blue's Clues party for preschoolers. I'm hoping to have enough help for all this stuff, as several things require several volunteers. Even the board game thing will need a few to explain how to play and keep things tidy. I really hope people come and enjoy these things. I'm quite tired of planning fun things and then nobody shows up.

Something that surprised me, and perhaps it shouldn't have, was how quickly the younger kids could identify my costume when I did my class visits. I put on a trench coat (and the whispers started), a tie and then a deerstalker hat (and it grew to mumbling), and finally I whipped out my magnifying glass (shouts of 'Sherlock Holmes' or 'a detective'). I guess I didn't think second graders would be familiar enough with the stereotype to get it right away. I mean, The Great Mouse Detective came out in 1986... Worked out well for me, though, I suppose. [grin]

Artwork done by Mark Teague

Book recommendation: Case Closed series by Gosho Aoyama
Recipe recommendation: Suprise-center cookies
YouTube recommendation: Bloodhound Gang