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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I Scream for Ice Cream!

Nothing says summertime better than ice cream and lemonade. But what about Raspberry Lemonade ice cream?

I had a yummy photo for you, but my computer swallowed it. :-(

I have been loving everything lemon lately and when I get it into my head that I want something I usually find a way to do it.  My love for lemon and a homemade ice cream social at church inspired me to come up with Raspberry Lemonade ice cream and boy is it good.  My son declared it the best ice cream ever and ate 3-4 times what he usually eats. My son usually only eats 2-3 kid bites of ice cream, yep you read that right. He just isn't that big into ice cream (usually).  The Man declared it the bomb!  This ice cream tastes true to its name.  I was a little nervous that the cream would mellow it out too much, but nope.  It is perfect. So now on to the recipe.

Finely grated zest of 3-4 lemons (I used 3, but mine were larger)
1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice (watch out for those seeds)
3/4 cup pureed raspberries

3/4 cup of sugar (or equivalent sweetener)
4 egg yolks
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon xanthum gum (helps keep it creamy without ice crystals)
1 cup of milk
2 cups of heavy cream


Combine lemon zest, juice, raspberry puree and sugar in a non-reactive bowl. Refrigerate for at least one hour to blend flavors.

Slightly beat the egg yolks in a large bowl.  Pour milk into a sauce pan and heat to a bare boil.  Pour the milk into the bowl with the eggs, whisking while you pour.  Return the milk and egg mixture to the saucepan.  Heat gently, don't boil, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.  Remove from heat and whisk in the xanthum gum.  Stir in heavy cream.  Cool to at least room temperature, but it is best if you chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or over night.

Combine the milk, egg and cream mixture with the lemon mixture.  Mix well.  Now churn in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

A Giant Faith

This story begins about a year ago with a young boy on his way to becoming a man and an inspiration to many. This young boy, only 12 years old was living a normal life for a twelve year old. He loved his family, his mom, dad, older brother and best friend and his little sister.  He started having some puzzling health complications.  After several doctor appointments and tests, he was given the news that he had a rare form of skin cancer.  He went through surgery, chemo and special trial treatments during his sickness, but all of this is not what makes this a story of faith.  This young boy never once complained, fell to depression or asked God "why me?". No, instead while recovering from surgery in NICU, he is quiet, he can't talk, one can only wonder what he is feeling, what is going through his mind, until you check your facebook page and see he has just posted a joke.  Yes, he is still joking.  This young boy is becoming a man, a man of faith right before your very eyes.  He is standing strong. All this time his family is right there by his side.  You can imagine the heartache they felt.  His sweet mother tells him, "If God would let me, I would have this cancer instead of you."  What do you think this young man of faith's response was?  "No! Mom, don't say that.  God gave it to me, because he knew I could handle it."  Can you believe it? Such faith and strength for such a young person.

There came the day when he was given the news, the treatment is not working, the tumors are growing and more tumors were found.  Did he get mad and curse God?  No, he stood strong, hoped for a miracle and kept on. He said he was fine if God would cure him or take him home, either way.  He knew this world was not his home, his home is in Heaven.  He studied his Bible and excitedly told his mom of all that he was learning.  He cautioned his mom on cartoons that his little sister would watch and told her of some that she should not let her watch at all.  One last question, "Mom, when is Mother's Day?" This young man of faith passed away on Mother's Day, he was 13 years old.

This young man was my nephew through marriage and I count it a privilege to have met and known him.  His life of faith speaks to me. He didn't have the faith to move mountains. He had a greater faith, the faith to walk through them.  I wonder if I would have his faith.  He was right, God knew he could handle it, just like God knew Job could handle it. Never have I ever known anyone personally who has had the faith that this young man had.  It is like he is a modern day Bible story of a man of faith.  If I could tell him one last thing it would be "Thank you, for standing strong, thank you for keeping the faith, thank you.  I love you and I am humbled to have known you.'  My children will grow up hearing the story of the boy who became a man with a giant faith.