Ice cream and updates

OK first off, I can't believe I went a whole month without blogging, when not that long ago I committed myself to a new post once a week... oy vey!!
Actually, I shouldn't be so harsh on myself.... these summer months have been crazy busy with orders, which make this gal one happy baker. But between fulfilling cake orders, online orders, working another part time job, and always making time for my sweet hubby ( he is number one in  my life) :) ... if the blog happens to suffers, then so be it :) 

Many and good things have been happening around here and hopefully I will be able to show you in a few more months, or sooner :)

Now however, I wish to share with you one of my favorite homemade ice creams,

Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Ingredients 
3 cups fresh ripe strawberries, stemmed and sliced
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1-1/2 cup sugar, divided
1-1/4 cups whole milk
2-3/4 cups heavy cream
1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

In a small bowl, combine the strawberries with the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Stir gently and allow the strawberries to macerate in the juices for 2 hours. Strain the berries, reserving juices. Mash or purée half the berries.
In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and remaining granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, reserved strawberry juice, mashed strawberries, and vanilla. Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes. Five minutes before mixing is completed, add the reserved sliced strawberries and let mix in completely. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.

Some people like to add food coloring to give the ice cream a more pink tone, I am not one of those people.... I like to keep mine all natural

The process of watching ice cream is a lot more exciting then watching water boil :)

Here's a instagram peek of what I have been up to theses days

• baking
• organizing all my cake supplies
• decorating
• taking a time out to enjoy the sweets of others (Essence Bakery. If you live in AZ, GO!)
• Designing in my handy dandy notebook 
• bringing those designs to life!

hope you all are having a wonderful summer
Cheers :)