Ice Pops and Ice Cream

This must be the year of the Popsicle.  Perhaps, it's because things in the world are so complicated, we need to slow down and just enjoy a simple treat.

Yes, you can walk into you're favorite grocer and purchase a sugary treat or you can make them yourself with the new and pretty awesome makers. This way you get to control what goes into the popsicle.

Photo Courtesy of : Kevin D. Weeks

Same with ice cream.

With machine's these days, making a batch of fresh ice cream is as easy as driving to the market and picking up a pint.

No holiday weekend is complete with out popsicles and ice-cream..











I'm not a big gadget-in-the-kitchen type of gal.  I have my Kitchenaid stand mixer and attachments for it that  can do most any task.  However, I saw this at Williams Sonoma the other day and think I might have to go back and get one. 

In just seven minutes you can make the perfect Popsicle with Zoku.

Put the inner unit in the freezer for 24 hours, take it out, put it back into the unit, pour in your desired ingredients and POOF!  Seven minutes later you have perfect Glace De Jour!

The website contains additional pieces that can be purchased separately from the unit to create more concoctions.  There are trays for holding them inside the freezer and a cool looking book with idea's for creating your own wholesome treats.


This is a huge value if you have children or just really enjoy making cool treats in the summer.





If you would rather do it the old fashioned way and pour the liquid into the mold and freeze your pops then Tovolo makes all the shapes and sizes of ice pop molds you could ever want.

As well, it's not just about the kids.  Think of the fun you can having making something a little more adult.  Just don't get them mixed up with the kids' stuff! :)

 

Ice Cream machines are available in everything from hand crank to letting the machine do all the work and a few in between.

1. Musso Polo - A professional designed machine that could be used at home too.  With a two quart capacity and the ability to produce six quarts per hour, this machine would be any ice cream lovers dream.
2. The Pure Indulgence from Cuisinart makes two full quarts of ice cream. 
3. Finally, a machine that produces soft ice cream in the home.  Mix It In from Cuisinart also offers three reservoirs for condiments, add your favorite candy or nuts and enjoy! 
4. I know that this company was huge in the eighties and I'm pretty sure almost everyone had one of their ice cream makers somewhere in the cupboard.  If you want to have a little more of the "making it from scratch" experience and crank it yourself , then the Doviner Machine is for you. 
5. Cuisinart also offers the Supreme Professional model ice cream machine.
6. Musso's other model of choice is the Lessino which is designed for family use with a one and a half capacity. Only 30 minutes from start to finish!

Service

1. Norpro Aqua Scoop - The end of the handle has a cap on it.  Remove the cap and fill with tepid water. It's supposed to make it easier to scoop the ice cream.  My friend gave me one about six years ago as a gift.  It works but I don't think adding the water makes that much difference.

2. The Cuisipro ice cream scoop is pretty darn cool to look at.  I think it's my slightly perfectionist nature that really wants one.  I love that the scoops are symmetrical.  Besides, look at the pretty pink and green! 


3. I think just about everyone has a Zeroll in their home.  They make a ton of different size and I know mine is old but it still works perfectly.


* NOTE: with the Norpro and the Zeroll, don't put them in the dishwasher.  Always wash them by hand.


Bowls and spoons!

 

 1. Silver plated spoon that are hand stamped.  Each one will be slightly different, giving them even more charm.  What a perfect gift for a wedding couple. Available through Etsy at Beach House Living.

2. Fun bowl that looks like a paper cup, sold in sets of four, available at William Sonoma.

3. Spoons and Bowl set whimsical Sweet Soiree by Grassland Road.

4. Traditional glass ice cream bowl from Retro Planet.

5. Heart shaped spoons Speranza design gallery.

6. Crate and Barrel  Sorbet cup and spoon set.

Something more sophisticated?

 1. VilleryandBoch Ella partially gold plated dessert spoon.

  2. Julia Knight flower bowls, use a smaller bowl inside a larger one for drama and effect.

 3. Kim Seybert makes the most beautiful table linens.  As part of the spring 2011 collection, elegance is always in style

Books!  I'm a Barnes and Noble addict and I get 95% of my books though them.  Now that I have a Nook Colour, I get everything on it.  Love the NOOK!

Now, if you are not inspired to get out and try some home made pops or ice cream after all this info, I can't imagine what it would take to get you inspired!

Happy Weekend!

Jane