Chocolate Blueberry Ice Cream

I find the attitudes towards winter and summer interesting. 40 degrees in the middle of winter is equivalent to a summer heat wave, where people start wearing shorts and sandals and children want to eat ice cream and go swimming (I kid you not, just drive by a school and you will understand what I mean). 40 degrees in the middle of summer is equivalent to a bad case of frostbite. All I want to wear is my winter coat and snow pants and snuggle up to the fireplace and cry.

Today it was a whopping 35 degrees F. From the frigid, ice cold, people-start-hibernating-like-bears temperatures North Dakota has been experiencing all week, this was a very welcome change. It felt like the middle of spring.

Scarves and mittens (even coats!) suddenly became scarce. I didn't wear pants. I drove around with my windows down because it was so warm. And I made ice cream. Because when it is the middle of winter and it suddenly feels like summer, this is what you should do.

Perspective is everything.

This chocolate blueberry ice cream is soft and oh so creamy. When the rich chocolate base is combined with the blueberries something magical happens. These aren't just frozen blueberries added to chocolate ice cream; the blueberry juices penetrate the ice cream creating a blueberry infusion. The ice cream is littered with pieces of blueberry. If you are wary of this flavor combination, you will miss out. I guarantee it.

Also, if you are still in need of some last minute Valentine's Day ideas for Monday (or the weekend), I have selected a few ideas for you!

1. Quick Chocolate Cake
2. Vanilla Rum Soaked French Toast
3. Chocolate Truffles
4. 30 Second Sangria
5. Zuppa Toscana
6. Chocolate Espresso Pots de Creme

Click to read more ...

Blueberry Brownies

Brownies have always been one of those late night snack foods for me. I only make them when it's dark outside, the weather is a bit frightful, and my apartment is nice and warm. I am all for baked goods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and every space in between), but brownies have always held a particular time slot for me.
Brownies are for late nights with my very best girl friends. They are perfectly suited for miserable breakups (topped with a pint of ice cream, of course). But mostly, they are for lazy nights when all I want to do is put my feet up and watch some TV. It doesn't even have to be good television. It can be the worst television you or I have ever laid eyes on. Brownies can turn the worst reality TV shows into an acceptable form of entertainment. And that, my friends, is the true power of the brownie.
These blueberry brownies are very cakey and light. I never thought I would find a light, springy brownie, but this is it. The blueberries are a perfect addition and add a nice (and tasty) touch. But if you are a die-hard chocolate lover, you can always make them more chocolaty by adding chocolate chips. You will need a glass of milk with these.

Click to read more ...

Mixed Berry Crumble

I have a soft spot for neglected fruit. Slightly bruised, a little overripe, sitting quietly in the corner minding its own business. They might be a little imperfect. They might be a little flawed. They might not make the cover of any magazines. They might be just like me (and maybe you).
When I was last at the market, I spotted a small table full of all the overdue summer berries, looking for a good home. These were the leftovers. The unwanted ones. As if to prove my point, a smarmy woman walked by and remarked, "Oh, would you look at those. A mile past their expiration date if you ask me." Well, I wasn't asking her. And I bought them just the same.
Bruised fruit is absolutely perfect to make tarts, pies, and crumbles. When I made this crumble, I could hardly contain myself when they were baking in the oven. The fruit bubbled and boiled, filling the air with sweet scents. And these crumbles? They actually sung. The fruit crackled. It popped. It hissed with the glorious sounds of bubbling over. These crumbles are worth making for that and that alone.

Click to read more ...