Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tasty Tuesdays: Watermelon Sherbet Bombe

A few weeks ago, I posted a picture of this adorable slice of "watermelon" HERE.  I didn't know how this slice of culinary genius came to be until a few very generous readers shared their secrets to creating this tasty treat - a watermelon sherbet bombe.  

I was inspired to post a step-by-step recipe for this scrumptious blend of ice creams and sorbets after visiting St. Louis's own frozen concoction capital, Ted Drewes.  This lovely little piece of St. Louis tradition serves up some of the tastiest frozen custard that this self-declared professional ice cream taste tester (I mean if you eat ice cream every day in college, I think you get this title) has ever tried.  

Just look at all these choices!  What mix of flavors would you try?  I think mocha, marshmallow, and oreo would make an incredible combination!  Or maybe the raspberry chip?!  Or brownie, caramel, and pecan?!  Oh, I could go on for hours!

Or you could choose from the specials menu that includes such creations as the Big Apple Concrete - apple pie filling mixed with vanilla custard topped with whipped cream!  Add a little warm caramel, and I'm sold.

After countless minutes of careful browsing, I finally chose the "All Shook Up" concrete (named for the density of the custard).  I just Can't Help Falling in Love with vanilla custard mixed with frozen bananas and Reeses.  When our order was up, our sweet and friendly server (Hi, if you come by the blog!!) demonstrated the quality of Ted Drewes' frozen custard by turning our cups upside down!  Not a drop on the counter - pretty impressive for a day in the upper 90s!

I don't know about you, but now I'm craving some ice cream.  I think a slice of watermelon sherbet bombe would be just the thing to satisfy this sweet tooth!

Watermelon Bombe:

5 - 6 cups (about 3 pints) lime sherbet or sorbet
2 cups vanilla ice cream
5 - 6 cups (about 3 pints) raspberry sorbet or sherbet
2-3 tablespoons miniature chocolate chips

Take a 12 cup metal or plastic mixing bowl and line it with plastic wrap, making sure there is enough plastic wrap to overhang the edges of the bowl (this makes it easy to unmold).  Alternatively, spray the bowl with a nonstick vegetable spray.  Place the lined bowl in the freezer for about 15 - 30 minutes so the bowl will be cold.

Place the lime sherbet in the bowl of your electric mixer and beat on low speed until the sherbet is soft enough to spread easily, about 20-30 seconds.  Remove the plastic wrap lined metal bowl from the freezer, and with a rubber spatula or spoon, coat the whole inside of the bowl with an even layer of the softened lime sherbet.  Return the bowl with the sherbet to the freezer to refreeze the sherbet.  This will take about 30 minutes to an hour.

Once the lime sherbet is frozen, take the vanilla ice cream and place it in a clean mixing bowl.  As with the lime sherbet, beat the ice cream until it is spreadable (20-30 seconds).  Remove the bowl from the freezer and again, using a rubber spatula or spoon, evenly coat the lime sherbet layer with the vanilla ice cream.  Return the bowl to the freezer so the vanilla ice cream can refreeze.  This will take about 30 minutes to an hour.

Once that layer has frozen, take the raspberry sorbet and place it in a clean mixing bowl.  Again, beat the sorbet until it is spreadable, 20-30 seconds.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Remove the bowl from the freezer and fill the center of the bowl with the raspberry sorbet.  Return the bowl to the freezer and freeze until the sherbet/sorbet and ice cream is completely hardened (this will take several hours or overnight). 

To serve:  Place a cold serving plate upside down on top of the bowl.  Holding the plate against the bowl, turn it upside down.  Use a hair dryer on low, or place a hot wet towel over the metal bowl for a few seconds to loosen the bowl from the ice cream.  Remove the metal bowl and place the watermelon bombe back in the freezer until serving time (the lime sherbet may have soften a bit from the hot towel). 

Tasty Tuesdays: A Visit to The Terrace View

I got in late last night and don't yet have my pictures uploaded, so I can't yet share with you today's Tasty Tuesday: Watermelon Sherbet Bowl featuring a review of Ted Drewes.  I thought I'd get your appetites going by telling you a little bit about my favorite restaurant I visited in St. Louis.


Saturday afternoon, after some time spent playing taking in the sculptures and fountains at St. Louis's City Gardens, J and I took the kids to The Terrace View, a cafe overlooking City Gardens.  It was a piping hot day and we were all thirsty for a cool and refreshing drink, so we started with a raspberry lemonade.  It was the perfect blend of sweet and sour, and the splash of soda water on top gave it that little fizzle that I love.  E had a cheeseburger with fries and T had the buttered noodles, and both seemed very happy with their lunches.  J had the Caprese Sandwich consisting of toasted bread, tomato, mozzarella, basil, red onion and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette and fries.  It was a beautifully presented open faced sandwich filled with deep red tomatoes and generous sliced of mozzerella.  I ordered the Iowa Pork Shoulder Sandwich with fries, slow roasted with onion jus, local greens and white truffle aioli.  This may have been the best sandwich I have tasted in a while!  The pork was flecked with fennel seeds giving it a deliciously sweet flavor which paired so well with the onion jus.  The fries were hand cut and crispy - my favorite way to eat them.  Don't forget to order the white truffle aioli for dipping!  Mmmm!

This little cafe is perfectly located in Downtown St. Louis and with food as delicious as the meal we had, I would recommend it to anyone. 

Friday, June 25, 2010

It's Friday and I'm Jumping for Joy!

Because today is the start of the weekend!  I am heading to St. Louis tomorrow, and I can't wait.  I'm looking forward to seeing a new place, and catching up with old friends.  Is there anything better than that?!?!  
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

It's ok!  Nobody's looking.  You can jump up and down now because the weekend is finally HERE!!!

PS - maybe it's the old ballerina in me, but isn't that last picture just the prettiest thing you've ever seen?!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Pink and Green Thursday: It's My Party

Today's Thursday, and you know what that means!  We'll play along with Trish - the queen of all things pink and green!  I hope you enjoy today's rendition of Pink and Green Thursday!
I mentioned that we will have a houseful of guests over the Fourth of July.  I spent this past Sunday setting a very festive patriotic table, organizing gift bags, and planning our menus for the holiday weekend.  With all of that party planning, I realized how much joy I get from preparing for company and hosting dinner parties.  And that made me think of how much fun it would be to throw a pink and green party!  The possibilities are endless - pink and green lanterns, centerpieces, plates and bowls, invitations, balloons, desserts, and best of all a pink party dress.  

You're all invited, because it's my pink and green party!
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Trendy Wednesday - Cole Haan

I don't think I ever told yall about my Cole Haan sandal mishap on the way to Paris.  So here goes... I bought these (pictured above) Air Halsley Thong sandals from Cole Haan in Jacksonville specifically for our trip.  I thought the flower appliques were very cute, and the Nike Air technology made them extra comfortable - perfect combination.  About halfway through our trans-Atlantic flight, I got up to stretch my legs and I heard something snap.  Oh no!  The strap to my sandal had broken!!!  What's a girl to do with four hours left in flight and all of her shoes packed away in the cargo bin?  Well, I took my pony tail holder out and broke it in half and made a little strap connector and the problem was temporarily solved. 

Having had mixed responses from customer service departments, I was leery about fixing this problem for good.  Well, have no fears fellow shoppers!!  The customer service department of Cole Haan was EXCEPTIONAL!  When we got back home I called and explained the situation, and they reassured me that not only would they take responsibility for the snapped strap, but they would let me decide whether I wanted a repair, a replacement, or a refund.  WOW!  That is what I call standing behind your product.  I elected to get the refund since our trip has passed and I'd rather have the option of selecting a pair of shoes that is perfectly uncomfortable. 

I was just so impressed with the customer service at Cole Haan that I had to share this experience.  And while I'm at it, why not also share a few of their adorable things I have my eye on.  Did you know they're having their bi-annual sale right now?  Go over and visit them!!!  And hurry!

I love the simplicity of these thongs.  And the double strap is a great detail!


Verona Air T-Strap
Swoon!  I have had my eyes on these for quite a while!  I think they are currently my favorite summer heels out there!
A good wedge is a summer wardrobe staple. Between the braiding, and the knot, and the patent leather, what's not to love about these?!


Isn't this belt adorable? And the blush color is just so pretty


This zip wallet would be the perfect way to get your purse organized. 


There is nothing better than a cute black clutch to accessorize your favorite LBD.  I really like the chain strap detail on this one.

If you are in the market for a hobo - look no further!  I got this bag in grey for Christmas and I love it!!!  The gold hardware, the basket weaving, and the tassel are a few of my favorite things.


Is there a brand that you think provides great customer service? 

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tasty Tuesdays: Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea


This past Saturday, Mark and I spent the morning by our neighborhood pool with some friends.  Without a cloud in the sky, it was hotter than hot out there.  Do you ever feel like it just gets hotter each passing summer?  Maybe I'm just getting older and less patient with the idea of sweating while taking the dogs out in the morning, but each year it feels hotter than the one before. 

There's one thing I just crave when it's 9:00 am and ninety degrees - iced tea.  I don't know about you, but I think it is just the most refreshing thing.  There are so many varieties of this tasty beverage- unsweetened, sweetened (which my friend refers to as the house wine of the South), herbal, flavored, and let's not forget Firefly sweet tea vodka! 

I thought this recipe from Southern Living for Governor's Mansion Summer Peach Tea sounded too delicious not to share!  We have a houseful of guests coming over the 4th, and I think this will be the perfect thing to serve as they arrive.  Nothing says welcome to summer in the South like a large glass of iced tea!

Ingredients
  • 4  cups  water
  • 3  family-size tea bags
  • 2  cups  loosely packed fresh mint leaves
  • 1  (33.8-oz.) bottle peach nectar
  • 1  (6-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
  • 1/2  cup  Simple Sugar Syrup
  • 1  (1-liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled
  • 1  (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
  • Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add tea bags and 2 cups mint leaves. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.
2. Remove and discard tea bags and mint. Pour into a 1-gal. container; add peach nectar, lemonade concentrate, and Simple Sugar Syrup. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight.
3. Pour chilled tea mixture into a punch bowl. Stir in ginger ale and club soda just before serving. Garnish, if desired.
This recipe make about one gallon of tea!
What's your favorite summertime beverage?  Do you have a good Firefly sweet tea vodka recipe?

Monday, June 21, 2010

Meet Me in St. Louis

Have you seen this movie?  It's one of my absolute favorites!!!  I am excited to yell you that I'll be headed to St. Louis bright and early Saturday morning to visit some great friends. 

I love going to places I've never been before!  There's always such amazing things to see and do.  Here are a few of the things on our itinerary...

St. Louis is the Gateway to the West, and I can't imagine a visit there without seeing the Arch!  How beautiful would that be to see everyday?!

We'll explore City Gardens - "an urban oasis in downtown St. Louis."

I'm excited to stop by Busch Stadium too see where the Cardinals play.  I love that you can see the city skyline from the ballpark!

How could I go to St. Louis without seeing those Clydesdales?  We're going to do a Tour of Anheuser Busch Brewery on Sunday.  Fun!!

Have you heard of Ted Drewes frozen custard?  Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard in St. Louis since 1931.  One of my favorite things about travelling is tasting foods that are city staples, and I cannot wait to try this tasty treat.

Of course, the thing I am most excited about is seeing our friends!  I simply cannot believe we haven't seen the kids in two years.  Time goes by too quickly!  Only a few more days...

Have you been on any fun getaways lately?  Or do you have any trips coming up?

Friday, June 18, 2010

Ten Things Today

Happy Friday!  Aren't you glad it's finally here!!!  We have a pretty relaxed weekend planned.  Tonight, we're going to our neighborhood farmer's market and dinner at our favorite little French bistro a stone's throw from our house.  Tomorrow, we'll be wishing sweet EC a happy birthday!  Sunday, I think I might head to Michael's and Pier 1 for some Fourth of July tablescape idea shopping.  Do you have any favorite patriotic decorating ideas??

I thought it'd be fun to play ten things today.  Lisa plays this game on Tuesdays, but why not join in a few days later!  I loved this set of questions...

1. Do you prefer markers, crayons, or colored pencils?
Colored pencils, without a doubt!  One of my favorite Christmas presents of all time was the 136 piece Prismacolor colored pencil set.  I would spend hours coloring with these.  Now I could spend hours just looking at how pretty and organized the box looks!

2. As a child, how did your parents celebrate your birthday? (Parties, cake, you pick the dinner, etc.)
For dinner my dad would make his veal picatta and fettuccine Alfredo.  This is quite possibly the most delicious meal of all time!  Growing up, I preferred pies to cake, so every year at my birthday party, we'd have pies and ice cream.  Since my birthday is in November, pumpkin pie was always a popular choice!

3. How do you feel about leggings?
I L-O-V-E them!  Maybe it was spending half of my life in a ballet studio, but I think they're fabulous!  I love them paired with a simple tunic and a hot pair of pumps.  These Ella Moss Zipper Leggings are too cute! Just look at that zipper detail!!

4. How do you prefer to follow directions? With a map? Words?
I am horrible with directions.  I really am.  Mark and I picked up a Tom Tom in Jacksonville - talk about a lifesaver!!  I have named her Sally, and she tells me just what I need to do to get where I need to go.
5. What do you eat for snacks?
Mmmm!  Right now, I am loving navel oranges.  The commissary has been carrying them, and they are sweet and delicious, but a little sticky.  As for snack foods, I love to make this recipe for Spicy, Sweet Pretzel Mix.  It is a crowd pleaser!!

6. Have you ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought any As Seen on TV products?
I have not, but you have no idea how tempted I have been to order myself a Bumpit!  I think they are just fantastic!


7. What’s your favorite thing about summer?
This might sound weird since I don't actually play tennis, but I love Wimbledon.  There's something so regal about this tournament.  It truly is one of my favorite things about summer!

8. Do you have a tattoo? What and where is it?
I don't.  I have never had the desire to have one actually.  But I do enjoy wearing the fabulously glittery temporary tattoos my parade, the Krewe of Muses, throws each year!

9. Are you good at journaling?
If this blog counts, then yes, but aside from that I am terrible about committing to journaling.  The first and only time I have ever successfully kept a journal was on our recent Paris trip.  I had mentioned to my parents that people recommend journaling as you travel so that your memories will last a lifetime, and two days later I received the prettiest travel journal in the mail.  What a perfect gift!   
10. What’s your favorite way to eat a hamburger?
If I could build my own burger it would be a bacon cheeseburger on a buttery toasted sesame seed bun, topped with mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced pickles (dressed as we'd call it in New Orleans!).  Mmmm...  I'm ready for lunch now!

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