My second and last child just graduated high school! As life is shifting for both of us, I couldn’t help but reminisce over the years I raised my children. I also thought back to when I too was growing up in Central Virginia and how different life was back in “the good old days.” I have fond memories of a good life playing outside all day, watching cartoons, and letting my imagination run wild. Another thing I remember is always gathering with family.

My paternal grandmother’s side of the family used to have large reunion-type BBQs every August.  One of the main things we always looked forward to during these events was enjoying my grandma’s sisters’ homemade ice cream!

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Ice cream, a must-have summer treat!

This Is Not My Aunties’ Ice Cream

Mother’s Day weekend about 4 years ago, I saw an ice cream maker and HAD to have it! (You remember, I’m a kitchen gadget addict, right?!) I talked about how much I wanted to make ice cream like my great-aunts but, that thing has been sitting on a high shelf in the cabinet since the day I brought it home!

While creating the menu for a Mexican-themed buffet for my daughter’s graduation party, I decided to make ice cream for dessert.  Finally, a chance to use my ice cream maker!  Sticking with the menu’s theme, I decided on Nigella Lawson’s Margarita ice cream, made with tequila and triple sec – especially for us who are now celebrating becoming empty nesters!  But, guess what?  The recipe didn’t require an ice cream maker!  Disappointed, I made it anyway. It was a definite hit!

cachaça

The most popular spirit in Brazil is Cachaça.

This Summer’s Treat

I recently learned about Cachaça at a holiday party where a tasty lime cocktail, called a Caipirinha was being served.  I love all things citrus so this was a perfect drink for me!  Since my attempt at Margarita ice cream turned out so well and was mostly gone a week before the party, I needed to make more.  This time, I used Cachaça to make my version of Caipirinha ice cream!

lime zest

I added lime zest to kick up the flavor.

Super Easy And Oh So Refreshing!

This ice cream is quick and so easy to make!  The only equipment you need is a bowl and a mixer.  It’s not required for the recipe, but because I really enjoy citrus flavors, I decided to add a little lime zest to my ice cream mixture for extra flavor.  If you too would like this added ingredient, a zester will also be needed.

mixture consistency
The mixture is to be creamy but not stiff.

Mix up a bowl in the morning and enjoy it after dinner!

Once all of the ice cream ingredients are combined and of the right consistency, spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe container.  Again, nothing special is required.  I used a loaf pan and completely covered it with plastic wrap, being careful to not allow any air in.

I think I’ve found a new dessert to experiment with!  I’m also a lover of the vine so, maybe next time I encounter a bottle that I’m not exactly fond of, I can find a new purpose for it?!

Caipirinha Ice Cream

A refreshing, alcoholic dessert to enjoy during the warm summer months, made with fresh lime juice, Cachaça, and triple sec.

  • 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
  • 2 tbsp Cachaça
  • 3 tbsp triple sec
  • 1-1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp lime zest (optional)

Pour the lime juice, Cachaça, and triple sec into a bowl and stir in the sugar until it's dissolved.

Add the cream then whip, on medium speed, until thick but not stiff, about 1-1/2 to 2 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze at least 8 hours before serving.

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Posted by Andrea Phillips

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