Ice Cream Social "Maple Ice Cream with Salty Buttered Nuts"

FALL IS HERE! To welcome in this wonderful season I have to post an Ice Cream recipe, but not just any recipe, a seasonal recipe. Pumpkin, cinnamon, warm buttered nuts, and maple syrup are all the things I want in my fall treats. This Jeni's Ice Cream recipe takes some of those flavors and combines them into, "Maple Ice Cream w/ Salty Buttered Nuts." Maple Ice Cream is great paired with pumpkin pie, on top of pancake, or even with a warm cup of coffee. My parents went nuts for this Ice Cream and if you are a Maple Syrup lover you will too!

To begin you will need a few ingredients:

-2 cups whole milk

-1 tablespoon plus one teaspoon cornstarch

-3 tablespoons cream cheese

-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

-1 1/4 cup heavy cream

-2 tablespoons light corn syrup

-1 1/2 cups grade B or C pure maple syrup *VERY IMPORTANT* make sure you get good quality syrup. This could make or break your Ice Cream. This recipe makes about one quart of Ice Cream.  

Later you will need more ingredients to make your nuts, but let's get the Ice Cream part first.

Get out your bowls ya'll. Things are about to get serious(:

First take the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the milk and combine until you get a slurry mixture. Set that aside. In a seperate, medium bowl whisk your soft cream cheese and sea salt then set aside. Finally mix the cream, milk, and corn syrup in a large bowl and set aside. 

In a large saucepan bring the maple syrup to a boil over medium to high heat. After it begins to boil reduce heat and continue to boil until the syrup begins to darken around the edges. Be careful not to leave on the burner too long because it could possibly burn. Remove from heat and slowly add the cream mixture stirring constantly. Place back on burner and boil for about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Bring back to a boil, once again, and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Take the cream mixture and whisk with the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

   

The next step is very important. Your mixture is still going to be warm. You'll have to chill the mixture in order for it to become solid. Take a large ziplock bag and pour the mixture in making sure it is fastened tight. Then take a large bowl and put an immense amount of ice in it. Dump the bag containing the Ice Cream base in the ice and let it chill for at least 30 MINUTES! 

While you wait for the base to chill get started on the nuts. You will need:

-3/4 cup of almonds or pecans

-1 tablespoon unsalted butter

-1/2 teaspoon sea salt 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Melt your butter and mix the nuts in the butter till fully coated. Next add the salt and mix. 

Place the nuts on a baking sheet and pop in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This is my favorite part because it makes your house smell divine!

Now let's get back to the Ice Cream. Once the base is chilled get your Ice Cream machine out. Pour your base into the machine and let the magic begin for about 20-30 minutes. About 5 minutes before the Ice Cream is finished add in your salty nuts. Then, ta-da, you have a fall-tastic Ice Cream. You can eat it right away ,if you like soft serve, or set in the freezer if you want it a little more firm. 

Try this Jeni's Ice Cream recipe... I promise you won't regret it. This will be wonderful for cold weekends in. I know that's a little ironic considering it's Ice Cream, but the flavors scream fall. Cuddle up, put on a movie, and enjoy your homemade Ice Cream. If you tried this out,and found it helpful,let me know. Happy Ice Cream eating!

-AbbeyShae 

Ways To Make Your Day A Little Sweeter

So, this was me yesterday...happily smiling with my Pumpkin Ice Cream to kick off fall. Things quickly took a turn for the worst later that night. I had a fever, on top of a headache and muscle pains. Today has been a bit of a downer being sick and all, but I know we all have those days wether we are sick,lonely,stressed,or just not having a great day. To turn my day around, I thought I would share with you what I do to make my day a little sweeter. 

1.GRAB A SWEET TREAT
This first tip goes with the picture above. Whenever I am down I like to grab a sweet treat I normally wouldn't eat unless it is a special occasion or the weekend. Now, I am not saying eating will solve all of your problems...or over eating...this will add to your problems. Everything in moderation. However, splurging on a treat every now and then won't hurt. It will brighten your day a bit and make you feel like it's a special occasion. Since fall is here there are lots of sweet treats to choose from...check out my Ice Cream recipe for a chocolatey sweet treat. 

2.EAT HEALTHY AND EXERCISE
Now,I know this doesn't really go with #1, but I can't stress enough; everything in moderation! Eating healthy and exercising is something you should try to incorporate into your everyday lifestyle,but I think it's especially important when you are feeling down,sick,or tired. I understand if you are feeling super sick that it's probably not a good idea to go run a marathon. However, you can get your body moving somehow wether it's by doing yoga or just walking around the house. Even though you may not be motivated to do it...make yourself! You will feel so much better afterwords. The same thing goes with eating healthy. It's such a cliche, but it's true; when you put good in you will get good out. Healthy is happy.

3.KEEP THE TUNES ON REPEAT
When I listen to music it can really change my mood. Music can  get your emotions flowing. When you aren't having the best day play music whenever it gets too quiet. Feel in the silence with a happy song playlist...you could even add extra happiness by dancing. Make sure you are listening to happy songs rather than breakup songs or any other type of depressing genre. That could be bad and have the opposite affect! Here are a few of my happy songs you may like:

-"I Fell It All"-Feist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-1Gb2rxzlk

-"Divisionary(Do The Right Thing)"-Ages and Ages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDQOC48md4Y

-"Shake"-The Head and the Heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89JdR-SQjB0

.....and of course T.Swift's "Shake it Off." (:

4.STAY AWAY FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Okay, so I guess this isn't something to-do rather than something to avoid. Social media, in my opinion, can be a wonderful thing, however, it can be really negative at times. When you take a look into what others are doing you can sometimes start to compare your life to theirs. This isn't a good thing, especially when you're already feeling down. On days you aren't feeling the best put down you phone and computer. Instead of looking at what others are doing, go out and do something, make something, experiences something yourself. It will make you happier in the end. 

5.READ
I understand that not everyone is a avid reader.
You don't have to read a novel or encyclopedia or whatever you find boring to follow this tip. You could sit down with your favorite magazine (mine is Darling Magazine pictured of the right). Whatever you read though, make sure it is something positive. Reading something spiritual, encouraging, humorous, or positive could really take your mind off of negative things. I like to read my Bible, Darling Magazine, or anything with a good message. Reading can help you focus on happier things and give you a better outlook on your day. 

6.CHALLENGE YOURSELF
My last tip, to make your day a little sweeter, is to challenge yourself. Get outside of your comfort zone and do something you wouldn't normally do. Whenever I try something I have been a little hesitant about, when it's done I feel really accomplished. Do something you've always wanted to do, but have been too shy to try. This could range from making a dinner you've never tried before to running an extra mile. You know your personal goals. Try to accomplish one. In the long run you will be glad you did, and it could really turn your day around!

I hope you can try some of these tips and find that they are helpful. We all have "those days" but you have to be the one to turn things around. If you have any tips you would like to share, that I left out, please let me know. Have a happy day. 
-AbbeyShae

 
p.s.- This picture made me laugh. Happy Fall!

Lovely September Favorites

Hey all, I have had such a great time coming up with ideas for this blog. Yesterday I actually found myself daydreaming about what I wanted to do next...in class..maybe that's not so good.(: Anyways, in the midst of one of my zoned out moments,in class, I had a fun idea. I thought that every month I would share with you things that I have been loving. This can range from music, movies, fashion, food, beauty products, basically EVERYTHING. I enjoy seeing people share products they love and sometimes it conviences me to try them out myself. Hopefully you will find this super fun or helpful. I will try to leave links to all of my favorites so you can go take a look for yourself!

    Let's begin with fashion. This week, in September, is the first week of fall,(which is my favorite season)! The weather is starting to change and it's getting a little chilly. It's time to get out your sweaters, boots, and scarfs. Right now I am loving this pink,beige,and grey sweater from J.Crew. It's great for the start of fall because of it's comfy coziness,and its pop of color. I couldn't find the exact link, but here is a link to the J.Crew cite. They have a wide variety of super cute sweaters for fall. 
-https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters.jsp

My next fashion favorite is this blueish/purpley Kate Spade purse.

 I have always loved Kate Spade, but this is actually my first purse of hers...I feel fancy. This was a splurge for me, but I got an amazing deal. I'm a sucker for good deals. I use this purse EVERY SINGLE DAY. It goes with everything. If you want to dress down or dress up this purse does the trick. I couldn't find the exact link to this either because I got the purse at an outlet store;however, I found a purse similar. 
-http://www.katespade.com/cecil-court-elia/PXRU5122,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU5122_color=425&dwvar_PXRU5122_size=UNS#start=33&cgid=ks-handbags-shoulder-bags ps- I didn't pay that much for it (;

Let's move on to sweet treats...my favorite! By now, those of you who saw my last post, know that I lovvvveee Ice Cream, and especially Jeni's. This month they came out with a new flavor called, "Black Cat Espresso." Some of you may also know I am a big coffee fanatic as well. This is a perfect creamy blend of the two. If you know what is good for you GET THIS ICE CREAM! Such a yummy flavor for fall. 
-http://shop.jenis.com/ice-creams/intelligentsia-black-cat-espresso-pint/ 

Next I have my favorite beauty products of the month. These first products involve hair. I have super thin hair..it's a struggle..just kidding things could be much worse. These products surprised me and really gave my locks much needed volume! Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finish and Thickening mouse gets two thumbs up. If you have thin hair like me, I recommend these products(:
I also want to mention a product that isn't pictured, and that is Formula X Nail Polish from Sephora. I have been searching far and wide for a polish that does't chip after 3 days...this polish last weeks and comes in tons of color options! It's no joke.
-Bb Dryspun http://www.sephora.com/thickening-dryspun-finish-P381033?skuId=1540889&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=fV25mPMJ&pcrid=50233217079&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CjwKEAjw-o6hBRDOmsPSjqakuzYSJADR2V3SkPfkAXe_0stRbwtIPL2eMbvajgDEKHbLYtHsT-FfmxoC9bjw_wcB 
-Bb Thickening Mouse http://www.sephora.com/thickening-full-form-mousse-P378303?skuId=1489988&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=nh1RgyUh&pcrid=49113165759&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CjwKEAjw-o6hBRDOmsPSjqakuzYSJADR2V3SheA-_6untCYyBDDVu0XtV7R52mn0ui1WCupbKTZJAxoC0rDw_wcB 
-Formula X Polish http://www.sephora.com/formula-x

I love scented candles, especially in the fall. I've been cheating a little bit and lit this one before fall..I just couldn't resist. This Woodwick candle is in the scent "Cinnamon Chai." The smell of this baby is glorious..it will fill you whole house in seconds. This candle also makes a crackling sound like a wood fireplace. It makes me a bit sleepy...which isn't good. CAUTION: Please don't buy this candle and fall asleep while it's lit. I don't want to be responsible for any house fires. hah. Anyways, this candle is lovely!

Woodwick Candle http://www.always-forever.com/store/details.php?show=46623&gclid=CjwKEAjw-o6hBRDOmsPSjqakuzYSJADR2V3SPRq9Um7_gAyz1kQhYQZDhLSjzOGRG2DS66bHsWTmWRoClUXw_wcB 

My last September favorite you cannot order online. Sorry.(: In fact, my last lovely favorite is my wonderful boyfriend,Ben. Yesterday was our anniversary and we had such a great time. We always have a great time together. Over the past few years he has been so good to me and I am very thankful. He's my favorite of all favorites.  

I hope you've enjoyed this or found it helpful. Next month I would love to do another. Let me know what ya think. Remember that even though "things" are great and fun, they should't measure your worth or happiness. Find happiness in faith,family,friends,and experiences. Thanks for reading.<3 -AbbeyShae

Ice Cream Social "World's Darkest Chocolate"

Hello Everyone, my name is Abbey Kimball and I admit it..I'm an Ice Cream fanatic! My all time, number one, favorite brand of Ice Cream EVER is Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream based out of Ohio. If you haven't tried it before go...NOW! It will change your life and open up a new world of Ice Cream loveliness. My wonderful and lovely boyfriend took notice in my Ice Cream obsession and bought me Jeni's cookbook, as well as an Ice Cream machine for my birthday. I WENT ICE CREAM CRAZY people! Chocolate is also one of my sweet loves, dark to be exact, so when you put the two together I'm sold. One of Jeni's famous flavors is, "Worlds Darkest Chocolate." I tried this flavor out myself, at home, using Jeni's cookbook, and let me tell ya...it was FANTASTIC. Every element in a sweet treat I love. I hope you guys find this useful and take my tips and tricks to create your own Ice Cream masterpiece. Happy Ice Cream making. ps. This is a great Ice Cream to try if you're a beginner. Let me know if this is helpful!

Let's get started! First off, Jeni uses the best of the best when it comes to ingredients. However, this will be made by you, in your home, so feel free to try whatever personally like. To make this Ice Cream you will need the ingredients listed and pictured below:

• 1/2 of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 of brewed coffee(now this may scare some of you away, but trust me you can't taste the coffee at ALL).
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1.5 ounces of bittersweet chocolate
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 Tablespoon plus 1 Teaspoon cornstarch 
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cups of sugar
• 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup    

You want to have a really fresh heavy cream and whole milk because it can make or break an Ice Cream considering it's the base.

To begin mix your cocoa powder, coffee, and 1/2 of cup of sugar into a saucepan. Put this on high heat until it boils. Leave on the burner for a few seconds then remove from heat. Next, add your chocolate. It helps if you chop it up into pieces.   

    

When the chocolate is added let it sit for a few minutes then stir till smooth.

Set that aside for awhile and get out your cream cheese. Put this in a medium bowl. Whisk that around a little, then pour in the chocolate mixture.

 

At this point you want to combine the two until smooth..also add a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.

In a saucepan combine your milk,cream,the remaining sugar, and corn syrup. Bring the base to a boil for about 4 minutes (CAUTION: this can burn and overflow. Permission to watch your pot). After this remove from heat. In a small bowl combine cornstarch and 2 Tablespoons of milk to make a slurry. Then slowly whisk the slurry into the cream mixture. Return to heat for about one more minute.

When you complete this, combine your chocolate mixture and cream mixture...mixing till smooth. Ta-da this is your Ice-Cream in liquid form. I'm a messy cook...

Finally, put you liquid Ice Cream into a jar or a plastic bag. 

You're almost done. Since the Ice Cream is still warm you need to chill it in an ice bath for about 30 minutes till cool. 

Once the base is cool pour it into your Ice Cream machine...make sure your machine is super cold or this will be a total fail. Trust me I know...

Let the machine work its magic. It took me about 25 minutes until my Ice Cream was complete. 

At this point you will have a soft serve so put the Ice Cream in the freezer for about 4 hours until hardened.

Hope you all found this helpful and try it for yourself! I do not own this recipe. All credits go to Jeni's Ice Cream and her cookbook. However, I really enjoyed making this Ice Cream and eating it too. Let me know if you try it. Happy Ice Cream making(: -Abbey Shae