Category Archives: dessert

Peach Honey Coconut Ice Cream

25 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by in dessert, DIY, gluten-free, homemade gifts, seasonal

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DSCN3062Love:

Well, I think it is safe to say it is summer! My lack of posting recipes is beacuse I am busy having lots of fun (follow me on intstagram @cosmohippiechef for extra food pics and adventures). Time to break out your ice cream makers and get busy making homemade ice cream, like this Peach Honey Coconut. You are probably thinking peaches? I haven’t seen peaches at the farmers market yet? You are right, I used my canned peaches that I canned last summer. After taking inventory of my canning pantry I realized I need to start using up those goodies I spent all that time last summer preserving. So I started with my canned peaches, this ice cream is creamy and lightly sweetened with local honey. This recipe makes a lot of ice cream so you’ll be stocked up for a while. One of my most important tips is, make sure the liquid mixture is cold before you pour it into the ice cream machine! You are ready to rock and roll, hurry and make a batch of this and then get back to soaking up summer. Enjoy!

Food:

Peach Honey Coconut Ice Cream- makes a lot!

2 c. whole milk (organic)

1 c. canned coconut milk (full fat)

1 quart size canned peaches, liquid drained

3/4 c. honey (local, I use Clifford Family Farms and I get it at the farmers market)

2 eggs, (local, I use Clifford Family Farms and I get it at the farmers market)

juice of one lemon

pinch of salt (I like Real Salt, local or Celtic Gray Salt)

Directions:

1. Using your standing mixer, crack and beat the two eggs until creamy and the color has changed to a lemony pale yellow, about 5 minutes. Turn the mixer down and add the honey slowly, it will stick to the sides so turn the mixer off and scrape down the sides and mix again.

2. Next, with the mixer on low add the whole milk and coconut milk. Add the lemon juice and a healthy pinch of salt.

3. Pour the drained peaches into food processor and pulse them down until they are saucy and no longer have any chunks. Add the pureed peaches to the milk mixture, stir to combine.

4. Place this mixture into the fridge overnight or at least 4 hours, this step is very important. You want your mixture to be very cold when adding it to the ice cream machine. I had to process mine in two batches, I have made the mistake of poring it all in at once and had major spillage!

5. Process according to your manufactures directions. Freeze for a couple of hours and then EAT!

*optional- I toasted unsweetened coconut flakes in a dry saute pan until lightly toasted and fragrant. Sprinkle on top of your ice cream.

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Here are some of my other favorite homemade ice creams:

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Rhubarb Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream

Easy Pea-sy Farmers Market Salad w/ Basil Miso Dressing and Rhubarb Granita

14 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by in dessert, dressing, gluten-free, salad, seasonal, vegan

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Food:

Easy Pea-sy Farmers Market Salad w/ Basil Miso Dressing– serves 6

For the salads-

6 c. spinach, 1 c. for each (FM)

1 1/2 avocado’s, 1/4 for each

1 container of Sunbridge pea greens, divided (local, find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1 lb. snap peas,  shelled and steamed, 1/4 c. for each (FM)

4 oz. Drake Family Farms goat cheese, divided (FM)

1 1/2 c. crispy garbanzo beans, 1/4 c. for each

1/2 asparagus, trimmed and steamed, divided (FM)

Lemons, salt and pepper

(FM)= Find at Farmers Market

Directions:

1. Divide all the ingredients into 6 glass containers, bowls or Tupperware with lids. (I made these for our lunches this week). Season with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

2. Place containers in fridge and they are ready for lunches during the week!

Basil Miso Dressing- enough for 6 salads (2 T. each)

1/4 c. olive oil

1/4 c. apple cider vinegar or Slide Ridge Honey Vinegar (FM)

1/4 c. miso paste (I like chickpea miso)

2 T. water

2 T. Clifford Family Farm honey (FM)

1 T. fresh chives or spring onions,chopped (I used some from my garden)

1/4 c. fresh basil (garden or FM)

Directions:

1. Everything but the onion and the olive oil in the blender or food processor.Blend well, then stream in the olive oil and blend again. Add in onions. Refrigerate, divide into 6 containers to go with the salads. Enjoy!

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Food:

Rhubarb Granita- makes 3 c.

Adapted from Sunset Magazine June 2013

4 c. roughly chopped rhubarb (FM)

1 c. Clifford Family Farm honey

1/2 tsp. Real Salt

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Directions:

1. In a wide pot, cook rhubarb, honey, salt and 2 1/2 c. water over medium heat, stirring often and mashing with a spoon if needed, until rhubarb turns to mush.

2. Pour mixture through a strainer into a bowl and rub with the back of a ladle to push through as mush rhubarb as possible.

DSCN3031DSCN30373. Transfer to a shallow Pyrex dish and freeze until firm, stirring and scraping with a fork every hour if possible, about 4 hours total (stirring the mixture occasionally as it freezes creates large, slow melting ice crystals you want in a granita). Scrape up the granita with fork and spoon into bowls or your favorite vintage glasses. Eat!

Love:

This time of the year I let the Farmers Market dictate the menu at our house. My Easy Pea-sy Farmers Market Salad worked out perfect for our lunches and the Rhubarb Granita was just what the doctor ordered for dessert at the end of these hot days we’ve been having. Every Saturday is an adventure at the market to see what’s new and there is nothing better than having fresh, local seasonal food to play with in the kitchen. Can’t wait to see what will be on the menu next week, until then. Enjoy!

Black Rice Coconut Pudding w/Dates

18 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by in breakfast, dessert, gluten-free, Side dish, Snack, vegan

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Love:

Do you like rice pudding? Until this week I didn’t, I am really funny about textures, soggy bread, tapioca, bloomed chia seeds- ick! I had always put rice pudding in the same category, until now.

I am a part of Slow Food Utah’s book club, what is great about our book club is that all the books we read are about food. Our last book was ‘An Everlasting Meal, Cooking with Economy and Grace’ by Tamar Adler. When we meet for book club we usually bring dishes based on something featured in the book, this particular book had a number of recipes to choose from but for some reason the Rice Pudding was speaking to me. I have never made rice pudding and as I said I don’t even like rice pudding, but for some reason I was compelled to make it. I changed quite a bit of the recipe to appeal to my needs and what I had on hand, which is exactly the premise of the book. This book is so hopeful in learning how to make a meal using what you already have in your house or in other words, learning how to just wing it and not necessarily having to follow a recipe.  This book teaches you to use what you have and even has recipes for when you mess something up, like we all do. Even those of us who blog and cook all the time mess up, but learning how to recover from those mess ups makes all the difference in your pocket-book as well as your confidence.

This rice pudding is delicious! It is warm, comforting and healthy which is always at the top of my list. I had everything on hand which was a major bonus, and even my friend Amber Billingsley head pastry chef at Vinto loved it. Amber is an award-winning pastry chef, had I known she was coming to book club I probably wouldn’t have brought dessert! I am however grateful she was there to help me. Also grateful that I got over my fear of rice pudding and added a new recipe to my list of how to use up what is leftover. Enjoy!

Food:

Black Rice Coconut Pudding w/Dates serves 4-8

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2 1/2 c. leftover rice (I used Forbidden Rice)

3 c. canned coconut milk (full fat)

1/4 c. pure maple syrup

3/4 c. chopped medjool dates

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

few healthy grates of nutmeg

healthy pinch of real salt

*top with coconut butter (you can find this at Whole Foods or Good Earth, usually next to coconut oil)

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium heavy bottom pot. Let it heat to just under a boil. As soon as you see the first bubbles, lower the heat to a quiet simmer.

2. Cook with the intention of the rice absorbing everything. (I kept mine a little juicy) After 50 min, it should be very pudding-y, with a tiny bit a swim left to it. Hot or cold it is delish!

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Nutrition:

Black Rice/ Forbidden Rice- The purple color is associated with anthocyanin antioxidants, which are also found in blueberries, but with more fiber and more vitamin E present than in the berries. Plus black rice even outdoes the healthful properties of brown. Here is another recipe using Black Rice.

Dates- Dates are one of the best natural sources of potassium, an essential mineral needed by the body to maintain muscle contractions, and smooth functioning of the heart muscles. As potassium does not get stored in the body, a regular consumption of dates will continually replenish the body and aid in maintaining a healthy nervous system and the right balance of the body’s metabolism. Calcium and magnesium present in the dates ensure healthy bone development and energy metabolism. Important vitamins, like vitamin A and a variety of B-complex vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, etc) help fight off many infections to maintain and develop a healthy body. Dates contain vital amino acids that aid in smooth digestion and the adequate nicotinic content in them helps cure intestinal disturbances. Here is another recipe for dates.

Coconut Milk- 1. helps maintain blood sugar 2. keeps skin and blood vessels flexible and elastic 3. aids in strong bones 4. helps prevent anemia 5. relaxes muscles and nerves 6. helps control weight 7. decreases risk of inflammation 8. helps lower blood sugar 9. helps maintain healthy immune system 10. promotes health of prostate gland. Here is another recipe using coconut milk.

Coconut Banana Caramel Cream Pie

27 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by in dessert, gluten-free, vegan

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Love:

Last fall my sister came for a visit and I wanted to make her a special meal and an even more special dessert. I made a version of this pie with a traditional graham cracker crust and caramel that I made by boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk (still in its sealed can mind you) for 2 1/2 hours! Plus heavy whipping cream for a topping. I knew this would be a hit with my sis, the last pie I made her was a chocolate tofu pie and she ain’t down with no tofu pie. I can’t wait till she visits again so I can make her this new version, don’t tell her but it’s vegan and gluten-free and if you ask me better than the one we had last fall. I have been working out this recipe in my head for the last six months and then one Monday morning in yoga during savasana (corpse pose for those of you who aren’t into yoga) it all fell into place. I couldn’t be happier to share this recipe and hopefully some new ideas (caramel sauce made from dates, and coconut whip cream) with you, and most of all I can’t wait to make it for my non tofu eating sis! Enjoy!

Food:

Coconut Banana Caramel Cream Pie serves 8

Crust-

3/4 c. organic thick rolled oats (gluten-free)

3/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut (I buy mine in the bulk section)

3/4 c. walnuts

6 T. coconut oil, melted

3 banana’s, sliced (for filling)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place the oats, walnuts and shredded coconut in the food processor, pulse until you get a nice crumble.

2. Pour the crumble into the pie pan, add the melted coconut and with a fork mix until well combined. Smooth out and press up the sides.

3. Bake for 22 min. Take out of oven (the center of the crust might puff up, don’t worry) and let cool 15 min. With the bottom of a measuring cup smooth out the crust again, press lightly up the sides and then place the crust in the fridge for at least one hour (I think mine was in there for 2), it will firm up and be ready for the rest of the ingredients.

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Salted Caramel Dip/Sauce- politely borrowed from My New Roots

2 cups pitted Medjool dates

¼ cup raw nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, sesame tahini, sunflower) (I prefer almond butter)

4 tsp. fresh lemon juice

½ tsp. sea salt (or more to taste)

1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (I use organic vanilla extract)

soaking water as needed

Directions:

1. Soak dates for at least 4 hours in water.

2. Drain dates, reserving the soak water.

3. Add dates to a food processor along with all other ingredients, except for soaking water. Blend on high until dates are smooth. Add soaking water, 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached (for a sauce to pour or drizzle, add more water).

4. Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to a week.

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Coconut Whip Cream-

1 c. canned coconut milk, chilled (save the leftovers for a smoothie OR if you really like whip cream use all of it and adjust sweetness)

1 T. pure maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Pour the canned chilled coconut milk into a bowl (I used my kitchen aid mixer with the whip attachment). Start to whip. When it starts to firm up stop machine and add maple syrup and vanilla. Whip again until you’ve reached desired consistency. (I like mine firm but still light and fluffy, use your best judgement it will firm up more in the fridge).

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Toasted Coconut for topping-

1/4 c. unsweetened shredded coconut

1. Place the coconut in a dry saute pan over medium low heat, lightly toast stirring often. Careful not to burn, set aside.

Assemble-

1. Prepared crust

2. Sliced bananas

3. Salted Caramel Sauce

4. Coconut Whip Cream

5. Toasted Coconut

Place in the fridge for at least an hour for all the flavors to meld together, cut with a very sharp knife and serve immediately.

DSCN2802DSCN2804DSCN2807DSCN2810DSCN2793Nutrition:

Coconut oil- Coconut oils medium-chain fats are easily absorbed and preferentially used as an energy source, their burning actually increases the body’s metabolic rate. Coconut oil contains a fat called lauric acid also found in breast milk, lauric acid is converted into a highly beneficial compound called monolaurin, an antiviral, antibacterial destroyer of disease-causing organisms.(Canned coconut milk- buy whole, not low-fat. Low fat coconut milk has most of the medium-chain fats removed. Choose a brand that has no additives.)

Dates- Dates are rich in antioxidants  and anti-cancer compounds. An alkaline food and an excellent source of easily digested carbohydrates.(Eating local is key in a holistic diet, but eating regionally is also important depending on where you live. In Utah we don’t have a year round growing season so eating within our region fills in those gaps. Dates are in season in California during this time of year and I was lucky enough to be gifted 2 lbs of them. This was the perfect recipe to use some of them on.)

Oats- Oats provide and abundance of antioxidants and lignans which help protect against cancer and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Rolled oats, which are minimally processed are slightly less beneficial than steel-cut or whole oat groats.

Raw Cherry Chocolate Power Bars- DIY

18 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by in dessert, DIY, Snack, vegan

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DSCN2656Food:

Raw Cherry Chocolate Love Bars– makes 18 bars

3 c. medjool dates, pitted and chopped

1 c. tart dried cherries (local from Farmers Market, you can also find the the bulk section of most grocery stores)

1/2 c. raw cacao powder (find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1 c. walnuts

1/2 c. hemp seeds (find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1/2 c. ground chia seeds (I use my coffee grinder to grind, store in an airtight container. Find at Whole Foods or Good Earth)

1/2 c. whole chia seeds (for a little crunch on top, thanks Yelana!)

2 T. tahihi

1 tsp. celtic gray salt

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Directions:

1. Place half of the dates, cherries, cacao powder, walnuts, hemp seeds, ground chia (NOT WHOLE CHIA, RESERVE THOSE FOR THE TOP!), 1 T. tahini and 1/2 tsp salt in the food processor. Pulse until well combined. Pour this mixture into a bowl.

2. Place the rest of the dates, cherries, cacao, walnuts, hemp seeds, ground chia, tahini and salt into the processor and pulse again until well combined. Add this mixture to the already processed mixture.

3. Line a large baking dish with parchment paper, make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides and when folded over covers the entire mixture, this will help when getting the mixture out of the dish. Pour the prepared mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly with your hands. Press the mixture down and make sure it is even.

4. With a pastry brush or just your hands wet the top of pressed mixture, sprinkle the whole chia seeds over the top of the mixture. Fold the parchment over the mixture, place a heavy book on top and then place in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. When ready, cut into pieces and store in an airtight container, place in the fridge until ready to eat, Enjoy!

DSCN2647DSCN2648DSCN2657Nutrition:

Chia Seeds: Chia seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, as well as being great for the brain. Chia seeds contain even more omega three fatty acids by weight than salmon does. These tiny seeds are also a complete protein, meaning that they contain all 8 essential amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own, and must get from food. These little seeds of love need to be ground or bloomed in liquid for your body to absorb and utilize them. Sprinkle on oatmeal, salads yogurt or mix into smoothies.

Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds is a complete protein source. The oil from hemp seed has the highest percentage of essential fatty acids of nearly any seed on earth! Hemp seed contains over twenty trace minerals, it naturally sprouts on the hemp plant lowering phytic acid (these means no need to soak before you eat) and increasing enzymes which makes the seed even more digestible. Hemp seeds essential fatty acid and protein profile provides a healthy alternative to fish.

Cacao Powder: Cacao contains the HIGHEST concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world! By weight cacao has more antioxidant than red wine, berries, acai, pomegranates and goji berries combined. Antioxidants protect us from age related health conditions and illnesses. They shield our DNA from free-radical damage. Cacao also contains magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C, omega-6 fatty seeds, trytophan, serotonin, fiber and the list goes on. Cacao is truly a ‘super’ food! We even use it in our coffee on the weekend and I use it in my weekly homemade face mask.

Love:

When I am meal planning for the week I usually plan for one savory snack and one ‘sweet’ snack (the need for a sweet treat is for my honey, but for me it needs to be healthy). This last week I wanted to try my hand at ‘larabars’, have you had these before? They are a great quick healthy snack, especially on the go. In my quest to further my skills in the kitchen and being in control of what goes into our bodies, I couldn’t wait to make my own DIY raw power bars. These are truly ‘power’ bars, full of nutrient dense foods and raw to boot. It helps that they feel like a treat but that will help nourish us when we need that little pick me up mid-morning or mid-afternoon. You can use anything that feels good to you, however you will need the dates and some other dried fruit to hold it all together. But go wild!

Raw Chocolate Banana Love Pie

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by in dessert, vegan

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Love:

You are going to love this dessert! It is just the right amount of chocolate and banana, the cashew cream is infused with orange and the melted chocolate and chopped pistachio’s on top- stop! Plus the crust is made of caramely-y dates, salty pistachio’s and cinnamon- Delish. I wanted to come up with something special for a project I have at the end of the month but then realized this would be the perfect dessert for you or your special someone on V-Day. I hope you’ll do yourself a favor and treat you or that special someone (it could even be your mom) to this Love pie. This is me sending love to all of you. Happy Love Day!

Nutrition:

Benefits of Love- 1. Reduces stress 2. Promotes mental health 3. Anti- cancer effect 4. Reduces pain 5. Better blood circulation 6. Live longer 7. Lowers blood pressure 8. Reduces risk of heart disease 9. Faster healing 10. Keeps you young

Food:

Raw Chocolate Banana Love Pie– serves 8

(See where the original idea came from here)

Crust:

1/2 c. shelled pistachio’s

1/2 c. medjool dates, removed seed and chop

1/4 t. celtic salt

1/2 t. cinnamon

Filling:

1 1/2 c. cashews, soaked overnight

zest of 2 oranges

1/4 c. fresh orange juice

1 tsp. vanilla

1/3 c. coconut oil

1/3 c. maple syrup or honey

1 c. smashed banana’s (2 ripe banana’s)

1/3. c raw cacao powder

Toppings:

Melted Chocolate Conspiracy Chocolate Sauce

chopped pistachio’s

Directions:

1. Start with the crust, place all of the crust ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until ingredients easily stick together when you squeeze the dough between your fingers. Press into the bottom of a spring form pan until evenly distributed. Place in freezer while you prepare the filling.

2. Rinse out the food processor. Place the soaked, drained cashews in the food processor. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix together. Gently melt the coconut oil and maple syrup/honey in a small saucepan over med-low heat until melted, when melted add to the other ingredients while the motor is running.

3. Pour half the cashew orange cream mixture over the prepared crust, spread over the crust. With the rest of the cream mixture add the banana and raw cacao powder, mix well. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cream mixture and spread evenly. Place the pie in the freezer for 2-4 hours. When ready to serve, take pie out of the freezer and let sit for at least 30 min. and then slice and serve. Top with melted Chocolate Conspiracy Chocolate Sauce and chopped pistachio’s.

DSCN2598DSCN2597DSCN2602DSCN2603DSCN2610Other dessert ideas:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ricotta Cupcakes

Salted Vegan Chocolate Almond Butter Fudge

Pudding two ways- Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Mousse au Chocolat

BAKE SALE

03 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by in cookies, dessert, Events

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We’re Having a BAKE SALE!

Slow Food Utah and Liberty Heights Fresh are hosting a bake sale for me!

                   1290 S. 1100 E., SLC

  • WHEN:      Sunday, Oct. 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • WHAT:       we will be selling baked goods of all kinds, mostly homemade
  • WHY:          this is a mini-fundraiser for our delegate, Brooke Cordray, to attend the International Slow Food Conference – Terra Madre  – in Italy later this month

Come and treat your taste buds to some delicious baked goodness!

P.S. I will be making the gluten-free/ vegan baked goods for our friends with dietary restrictions.

Zucchini Muffins- Gluten Free and Vegan

27 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by in breakfast, dessert, homemade gifts, seasonal, vegan

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Love:

Every summer aren’t we all trying to figure out what to do with all the zucchini growing in our gardens?! Or maybe you have a friend or neighbor who keeps gifting the git of zucchini that just keeps on giving. Well, I thought why not make Oatmeal Zucchini Chocolate Bread and Zucchini Muffins and do a taste test to see which one my peeps prefer, the muffins were the winner. They were my favorite, but I do this all for you so I was glad they were a hit. I think this is the third batch I have made, the first batch was to test out, the second batch we took camping and this third batch is for my cute friend Ashton who just had a baby. They are perfect for any occasion and they are great to grab on the run. Maybe you could make these for whom ever keeps bringing these beauties to your door, ENJOY!

Food:

Zucchini Muffins– makes 12

3/4 c. quinoa flour

3/4 c. buckwheat flour

1/3 c. coconut flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 very ripe bananas

1 medium zucchini, shredded

1/2 c. nut milk

6 T. coconut oil

6 T. local honey or pure maple syrup

2 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with muffin liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together.

3. In a food processor pulse together the banana’s, nut milk, coconut oil, honey or maple syrup and vanilla until mixed.

4. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir well. Don’t over mix. Next add the shredded zucchini and mix again until the zucchini is well incorporated.

5. Fill the muffin liners with the batter and bake for 20- 25 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cosmo Hippie Chef Birthday

12 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by in appetizer, cake, dessert, seasonal, Side dish

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Love:

Today was my 33rd birthday! All I wanted was to stay home relax and spend time with my sweetie and our fury children, OH YA AND EAT FABULOUS FOOD. Well, that is just what I did. Thought I would share the food with y’all. ENJOY!

–Breakfast–

Drake Family Farm Goat Yogurt and fresh strawberries from the Farmers Market

Clifford Family Farm Bacon

Gluten Free, Vegan zucchini muffins (will post the recipe soon!)

Iced Dirty Chai from Tulie Bakery

–Lunch-

Fresh Watermelon Coconut Water

Baby Swiss Cheese, Apple sandwich on Crumb Brothers Bread (all from the Farmers Market), Dijon mustard for the man

–Dinner-

Figs stuffed with Drake Family Farm Goat Cheese (both from the Farmers Market) wrapped in Prosciutto

Heirloom Tomato (Farmers Market) Mozzarella (Caputo’s Deli) Basil (Farmers Market) Stacks, with Slide Ridge Honey Vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper

–Dessert-

And there was cake- Carrot Pecan Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting (I had declined a cake offer from my mom, but my sweetie surprised with this!) I guess one piece won’t kill me.

It was a great day, thanks for all the birthday love.

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream- Happy Birthday Y’all

09 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by in dessert, DIY, homemade gifts

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Love:

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Truth be told I’m not actually a huge ice cream fan, but this recipe changed my mind. It’s not to sweet, it’s the perfect amount of chocolate and super easy to make. Not to mention with the heat we have been experiencing here in the City of Salt, it has been the perfect cold treat in the evening out on the deck. I have made 4 batches already this summer, one batch was for my sweeties b-day just a few weeks ago. I’m thinking about whipping up another batch for my b-day this weekend! It’s perfect for any old reason but especially sweet for someones birthday. Know anyone who could use some Homemade Ice Cream? Well get out the ice cream machines, this recipe is a hit!

Food:

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream– Makes 1 quart

2 c. organic whole milk

2 local eggs

1 c. sugar (I use succant)

1 tsp. vanilla

4 oz chocolate (I used an endangered species chocolate bar that was 80% cacao)

pinch salt

Directions:

1. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler (place a glass bowl over simmering water in a small saucepan). When the chocolate has melted, whisk in 1 c. milk. Blend well, take bowl off the saucepan and let cool.

2. Beat the eggs until light in color, about 5 minutes (I use my food processor to do this). Next add sugar, mix until sugar is dissolved. Then add vanilla, salt and milk. Blend until well mixed.

3. Add the eggy milk mixture to the melty chocolatey mixture and whisk all together.

4. Refrigerate this mixture until cold 1-2 hours. Then pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream machine and process for 30 minutes. Scoop into a freezer safe container and let the ice cream set up for at least an hour before devouring (if you can wait that long!). ENJOY, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y’all!

*Sugared Almonds-topping*

Place 1 c. sliced almonds in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle on a couple teaspoons of sugar. Toss the almonds and sugar around in the pan until the sugar has melted and the almonds start to clump together.