Today we will be making our way across the channel to Peanut Island here in Palm Beach Gardens. I love going there during the week since no one is there and we have the whole place to ourselves! My kids most favorite thing in the world is to picnic. Caytie especially loves it. I just “kind of”mentioned it and I awoke to my beach bag and charcoal right at the back door. I am amazed at what joy kids get from the simple things. As parents, we have worked hard to make sure our kids have everything. Laser tag, 3-D movies, video games, motorized scooters, etc have become the norm for today’s kids. I remember loving the annual St. James picnic or the times my family went camping. Those are simple things. No batteries or electricity required to keep kids entertained. Just the natural beauty or maybe an empty can for an impromptu kick the can game. So, if I could offer one bit of a summer activity suggestion for your family, get outside and go on a picnic! I promise your kids will love it and in the end you will have fond memories too!
Since I knew we were going on a picnic today, I decided to make some homemade ice cream. I used the cherries that were getting soft and some chocolate chunks (that’s for me!). Then as the super trickiest thing ever I used cream cheese in my base. I have to say it made the creamiest smooth ice cream ever! LOVE IT! So break out your ice cream maker and let your creativity fly! I promise there is no such thing as a BAD ICE CREAM!
Cream Cheese Ice Cream Base
16 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla paste
3/4 c. cherries, chopped and pitted
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chunks
In stand mixer, whisk vanilla sugar, cream, milk and cream cheese together until smooth. Whisk in vanilla paste. Add to ice cream machine. Follow manufacturers instructions to complete. Near end of cycle, add cherries and chocolate chunks. Freeze and enjoy!