Happy Wednesday!
I hope you're having a wonderful week ..
Photo Credit: Cup of Jo
(This post may contain affiliate links)
At our house, it feels like summer is almost here.
The first reminders of Iowa humidity are the air, our farmer's market re-opened this past weekend, and if our CSA newsletters are any indication, we should be getting our first delivery in only a few short weeks.
The kitties can be found sitting in their windows watching squirrels and bunnies in the back yard. The puppies have been extra happy for longer walks, playing in the kiddie pools at daycare, and rides in the car with the windows down(!)
I've taken my bike on its maiden voyage (+10) and happily, grilling is again part of our everyday vocabulary.
This week it was also fun to see kids leaving May baskets on front porches. (I always loved making them as a kid). AND, in case you missed it, mark your calendars for next year – National Star Wars Day
“May the 4th Be With You.”
Thought it might be fun today, to share a few links from around the web
Two books on my night-stand: Sugar Blues (it will change your life) and The Beauty Detox Foods (recommended by my nutritionist)
A map of state foods – has anyone noticed there aren't many with salads?
Just in time for summer – the history of the bikini
If you live in Iowa, the 2015 winner for the Best Burger (a road trip may be in order!)
How often do you run into someone who's deeply good? The Moral Bucket List (One of the best articles I've read in a very long time)
Have you seen Matilda Kahl’s article about wearing the same thing to work every day? It's been shared 105,000+ times, probably because it affects so many
What happens at 350 degrees F? The science behind what happens when we close our oven's door
The Never-Ending Job of Painting the Golden Gate Bridge – incredible!
Want to know exactly when the food in your fridge will expire? There's an app for that
Are the bacteria in your gut making you fat?
Photo Credit: Prevention Magazine
Also, I'd be remiss not to include an update about our decision to feed the puppies raw pet food. Admittedly, I was skeptical. Not to mention getting past the huge psychological hurdle of having containers labeled “Ground beef organ mix” and“Ground turkey necks” in and amongst the veggies in our fridge.
I wish we'd have known about it sooner, and haven't had a moment's worth of regret. Within a few days, their coats were noticeably shiny and softer. They're calmer, in a way that can only happen when your tummy is truly satisfied and full. There's no more cleaning up in the back yard, their poop doesn't smell at all and completely disintegrates.
Read more about the benefits of raw pet food .. here
A fun treat idea to share; an easy ice creme recipe.
The ice cream base is made with full-fat coconut milk, cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate, maple syrup, peanut butter, and a pinch of sea salt. No dairy, or egg yolks
It's thick, creamy, salty, and sweet. Not to mention, delicious.
Wondering about the bourbon? Alcohol doesn't freeze. Therefore it's a great addition to homemade frozen treats; to help keep them from getting hard. Read more about it from David Lebovitz
Enjoy!
xoxo
~ Adapted from Against All Grain
Chocolate Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Swirl
Ingredients
- Chocolate Ice Cream
- 4 cups coconut milk, canned
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup maple syrup (honey will work too)
- 4 oz chocolate
- ¼ tsp fine-grain sea salt
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp bourbon
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chunks, optional
- Peanut Butter Swirl
- 3 Tbsp peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted, but not hot
- ½ Tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Warm the coconut milk over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, then add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, unsweetened chocolate, sea salt, and coconut oil.
- Continue heating and whisking for another 5 minutes until the chocolate is melted and everything is incorporated. (Make sure it doesn’t boil)
- Remove from the heat and transfer to a glass bowl.
- Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the mix, and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow to cool completely (at least 2 hours)
- Stir in the bourbon, then using your ice cream maker, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, process the chilled ice cream mix.
- While the ice cream is processing, mix together the peanut butter swirl ingredients.
- During the last 5 minutes, once the ice cream has started to firm up, drizzle in the peanut butter mixture. Then add the dark chocolate chunks
- You can eat the ice cream at this stage if you’d like, but it will be more of soft-serve consistency. Otherwise, turn the ice cream into an airtight container. Place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream to avoid freezer burn
- Freeze until firm (at least 2 hours)
- To serve a later time, let thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes.
10 Comments
Oh my goodness ! this looks amazing, wish I had a bowl right now!
Thanks Kim!
Love dairy-free ice cream! Gelatin and using more fat keeps it from freezing too hard too 🙂 Just an FYI…peanut butter isn’t paleo but it’d be great with almond butter!
Hi Michelle ..
Thank-you so much for the idea of using gelatin .. that’s a great tip. Also .. you’re right about peanut butter. A vegan recipe yes .. paleo .. nope. (post updated)
Have a great rest of your week .. Ali
Wow. This looks amazing. On my to make very soon list! Thanks for sharing:)
Thanks so much Emily!
I really appreciate what you wrote about raw pet food! I have a pup of my own, and I’m always looking out the best options for her. Currently I give her all-natural dog food but I had never really heard of raw dog food before. Thanks for posting this as a resource 🙂
Hi Sarah
You’re so very welcome.
Have a great rest of your week!
Ali
This looks delicious. I love the addition of the Bourbon, it would really round out the flavor as well as keeping it from freezing. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Thanks so much Adrianne .. I’d love to know how it turns out for you
Have a great weekend .. Ali