I'm joining in for What's Up Wednesday this week!
1. What we're eating:
I've been all about homemade ice cream lately, specifically anything from the Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home
cookbook. I purchased the book a couple years ago after visiting a Jeni's scoop shop for the first time (and declaring it the best ice cream ever). I had a renewed interest this year after husby asked for homemade ice cream for Father's Day, and now I'm determined to work my way through the entire book (well, save for some of the more "out there" flavors like celery and gouda). I'm all for the semi-wacky though: Beet Orange Poppy Seed, Star Anise and Lavender are all on my radar! The recipes do take a fair amount of work (and some require what seems like a million steps), but oh my word, I can't believe I'm making ice cream this good at home. If you have an ice cream maker, you need this book!
cookbook. I purchased the book a couple years ago after visiting a Jeni's scoop shop for the first time (and declaring it the best ice cream ever). I had a renewed interest this year after husby asked for homemade ice cream for Father's Day, and now I'm determined to work my way through the entire book (well, save for some of the more "out there" flavors like celery and gouda). I'm all for the semi-wacky though: Beet Orange Poppy Seed, Star Anise and Lavender are all on my radar! The recipes do take a fair amount of work (and some require what seems like a million steps), but oh my word, I can't believe I'm making ice cream this good at home. If you have an ice cream maker, you need this book! 
So far, I've done a Berry Crisp recipe from the book (which included baking fresh streusel and making a sauce out of local blackberries - all totally worth it).
Next up was Jeni's Roasted Strawberry with Buttermilk (ah-maze). The buttermilk makes the flavor just a tad bit tart - totally unlike any other strawberry ice cream I've ever had (find the recipe here).
Then there's Jeni's classic vanilla bean (recipe found here). This one was definitely the most basic and straight-forward, but it did include some ingredients you might not have on hand - vanilla beans, organic cream cheese and tapioca starch (though you can sub cornstarch). The book really goes into detail as to the science of everything and the specific reasoning for each step and ingredient - and it all just works :)
Luckily, we have our weekly CSA box of produce to balance out all the ice cream ;)
2. What I'm reminiscing about:
Max has been doing lots of business travel lately, so Father's Day weekend was extra special this year as Parker and I had been missing Max, and were so happy to love on him for his special weekend.
3. What I'm loving:
Every time I'm out and about and see peonies for sale, I think that they're the last of the season. So I pick up a bunch, and then spot another bundle the next week and have to do the same.
I had one little peony bud that took an entire week to bloom - I called it the little peony that could!
I had a sweet tiny man photo bomb a peony photo shoot, so I had to take the photo op!
4. What we've been up to:
Parker and I have been spending our days outside, and it's been fabulous!
And how lucky am I to get to spend my summer days with this cutie?
The weather has been phenomenal here, so we've been hitting up the pool and the botanical garden, and have been doing morning walks to downtown (where I have transitioned from cappuccinos to iced lattes, because summer).
We soaked up all the Dada time we could in between business travel...
This little guy just loves his Dada!
Especially when that Dada goes on a dessert run to the food carts at Music in the Park and brings back my favorite ice cream flavor. #icecreamlover
5. What I'm dreading:
Any second now, Alabama is going to turn into a literal hot sticky mess. I'm trying to soak up all the wonderful weather before this happens, eeks.
6. What I'm working on:
Still workin' on my fitness ;) (Fergie anyone??) All the bonus points for a cute Pilates studio.
7. What I'm excited about:
We are deep into summer t-ball league! Parker couldn't be happier about playing again this year, and it's so much fun just to watch how excited he is. We are doing a very laid back YMCA league, and it's such a perfect fit.
Parker has improved his catching and throwing this year. Go, Parker! And go, Marlins!
8. What I'm watching/reading:
We took Parker on a Family Date Day to see Cars3! It was Parker's very first time to a movie theatre (though he's been to several live performances). He's only seen a handful of movies ever, so movies are a big treat (this was on our summer bucket list). We all thought the movie was well done, and Parker had such a blast that he insisted we sit through all the end credits, too.
Since then, he's talked about the movie non-stop and insisted on wearing his Cars baseball hat all the time, everywhere.
9. What I'm listening to:
Parker has figured out how to do Pandora stations on Alexa - his favorite is Vivaldi Pandora, but I can usually get some Ed Sheeran Pandora or Vance Joy Pandora if I sneak them in ;)
10. What I'm wearing:
I feel like I've been living in swimsuits and cover-ups!
11. What I'm doing this weekend:
We have nothing on our calendar this weekend, and I'm stoked. Lots of time with my favorite boys is all that's on my agenda!
12. What I'm looking forward to next month:
The 4th of July is just around the corner (also, how is it almost July already?). We enjoyed an early fireworks display here this week for Armed Forces Celebration night at Music in the Park - the display was rained out the past two years, so it was super special to see it this year! Crossing our fingers for the 4th of July fireworks to happen!
13. What else is new:
Front yard hydrangeas, I'm kind of in love with you.
GIRL, Jeni's is THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER!!!! We don't have one here, but there's one in ATL, so we have started going practically every time we go to ATL. Their Brown Butter Almond Brittle is BY FAR THE BEST ice cream I've ever had in my entire life. Oh my goodness. It is pure heaven. Now I want to get an ice cream maker just so I can get that book and make them all! Haha.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, how do you like Pilates? I'm assuming you like it since you go so often. I have horrible trouble with my left SI joint and I've heard that Pilates is really great for SI joints bc it strengthens your core so well. Does that sound right? And it is considered a cardio workout or is it more like yoga? I tried yoga and it's not for me!
Our closest Jeni's is South Nashville (a 1.5 hour drive, but don't put it past me! to do!). I'd say the Pilates I do is much more active than yoga - less holding poses, more moving (and we even do "runs" kicking of the jump board, but we're on our backs so it's still low impact which I love). If you can find a group class (which is what I take) I say go for it!! I think the private sessions can get pricey.
DeleteWhat a fun time you have been having lately. Love all the ice cream you guys have been enjoying. And all the outdoor time!
ReplyDelete