Bangkok Peanut Ice Cream

Stefan chose this flavor, which brought us back to our Thailand travels.

It's reminiscent of Pad Thai with peanut butter, coconut, lemon grass, and ginger with a bit of an unexpected finish - a cayenne kick.

My in laws were also able to visit, so we could share this with them. They seemed to enjoy this unusual flavor, too.

Goat Cheese with Roasted Red Cherries Ice Cream

With fresh cherries all over the city it was no question that our next recipe would be goat cheese with roasted red cherries. I cut the sugar back a bit, because I'm not a fan of overly saccharine things and it's a reality check seeing the exact amount being added. This ice cream still has a very decadent taste and is similar to a cheesecake.

I love ashy goat cheese, so that's what I used. Best of all we were able to share some with Stefan's parents who came up for a visit. My father-in-law preferred this to the Sweet Corn + Blackberries, although they are distinctly different.

I'm already getting anxious to try some Autumn flavors, like cinnamon ice cream with an apple crumble in my Weck jars... or lebkuchen with spiced nuts.

Any other flavor suggestions?

Ice Cream Making

Lately I can't stop thinking about gelato/icecream/sorbet. It's partly because summer with no air conditioning makes cool treats a necessity and partly because I was able to go home to Ohio for a visit and some of the requisite Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream.

My best friend Ryan and his pup Rufus joined us making our visit that much more sweet.

Since I can't get Jeni's shipped over here I'm very fortunate that she has a new cookbook so I can recreate her creations at home!

Our beautiful little red refrigerator has one fault - the freezer. It's not large enough to accommodate the section that needs frozen, so we need one that's automated and self contained.

Here are a few accessories that help to make it more fun.

[1. Jeni's Spendid Ice Creams Cookbook 2. Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop + Stack 3. Ice Cream Bowls 4. Unold Cortina 5. ASA Ice Cream spoons 6. Edible Silver Jimmies/Sprinkles]

Here's to hoping your Summer has been delightful! I'll write about all of the fun we've been having as soon as possible.

Ohio's African Safari

A few years ago I went with my parents to visit The Wilds, a sanctuary in my home state of Ohio. This conservation center helps to educate people by giving them incredible a first hand safari experience in America's heartland. It's also partnered with the Columbus Zoo, which famed zoo keeper Jack Hanna calls home.

In addition to their safari outings they have recently introduced the opportunity to stay overnight in a yurt at Nomad Ridge. The Wilds encompass about 10,000 acres, which is ⅔ the size of Manhattan, so you might have to remind yourself that you're not in Africa.

Jeni's

A long while back I read a list of the 10 best ice cream shops in the US. I've since visited 2 of them... Ici (in Berkeley, CA) and Jeni's (here in Columbus, Ohio). They are both incredible.

I have to be honest- I'm kind of envious of both places. How cool would it be to have an ice cream shop? Sometimes I jot down lists of potential flavors that would be a lot of fun to make.

Ici is owned by the former pastry chef of Alice Water's Chez Panisse and Jeni's is in the charming Short North area of Columbus, which has great murals featuring Grand Wood's American Gothic and the ubiquitous Mona Lisa. I bet you didn't realize Ohio is so cool!

Whenever I'm home I love to make a stop at Jeni's for her unique flavors and adorable shops. There is a lot of seasonal variety and many locally sourced products, too. Last night I went for a short visit with my friends Cat + Beth.

I ordered the 'study', which is 4 small scoops. My chosen flavors were: Pistachio + Honey, Wildberry Lavender, Goat Cheese with Cherries, and Meyer Lemon Blueberry. Believe me, it's not easy to decide.

My parents are savvy to my love of ice cream, so they surprised me with a Zoku ice pop maker. I'm looking forward to testing it out once we get back to Germany.