Several weeks ago I ordered the ice cream mixes (starters) for my machine from Williams Sonoma. It took several deliveries before I actually got the three 'cans' of product to my door. So today I decided to make ice cream. I got everything out that was needed and I had had the two frosty tubs in the freezer for months getting ready for this process. So the tubs were ready and eager to get some good stuff in them and get churning away. I forget how much I paid for these cans of mixes, but I will insert the price when I find it again. ($12.95 per can.) Double yiiikes! The cans were so nice and sturdy, and, I thought full of mix like small coffee cans. WRONG! I opened the secured cans. (I think one might have been able to drive the golf cart over the cans they were so sturdy.) There was a lid and a foil pull (cover) to boot. I thought boy this stuff is going to be really good and last a long time. I peeked in the can and there were two tiny plastic bags on the floor of the can with a few ounces of sugar mixture, each one enough for one quart of ice cream---as long as you add the whipping cream and the half and half and any fruit or nuts you want in there. I was stunned, but hey, the wheels were turning so I used both bags for the caramel ice cream and two bags from another can for the strawberry ice cream. The ice cream was good, (but better the next day.) The little bags contained enhanced sugar and that's it. It was such a rip off that I am embarrassed that I fell for it. See all those happy little stars from so-called customer reviews? Why then am I the only one that feels cheated?
I t was the start of moving day here at Many Branches and I thought I would escape the fray. I went to Carfagna's thank- you to their customers' meat sale. It was fabulous. I came home to drop off the meat and found six trucks and many people working like mad because Beth was cracking the whip and she is good at it. So I took pity on them and got out the Carfagna's brat patties and their ciabatta buns which are really good, the tapenade for muffulettas and the panini machine. They loved the results even though they were unusual muffulettas (Lechler style) and they had this ice cream which they raved about for dessert. (I must confess the strawberry ice cream was fabulous.) So if you don't care about money, then go for the ice cream starters below, but I do care about money so I looked for recipes for this stuff on line and in the booklet that came with my ice cream machine.
Creamy Caramel Ice Cream
Starter $12.95 (if you can believe that!
- New
- Exclusive
Did you know that watermelon cubes make great ice-cubes? That makes perfect sense...since watermelon is over 90% water. Instead of watering down your drinks with regular ice...try watermelon ice-cubes. (picture and idea from Mennonite Girls Can Cook)
Places the cubes onto a parchment lined tray. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze the watermelon cubes until completely frozen (several hours). Place the frozen cubes into a resealable plastic bag for easier storage. Add to your next cold glass of water or punch to enjoy on the patio!
