Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (in a Bag!)

Serves 1

Ingredients

Ice Cubes
1 cup half and half
1/2 cup Kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pint-size ziplock bag
1 gallon-size ziplock bag
Any of your favorite ice cream mixins

Instructions

1. Combine the half and half, sugar and vanilla extract in the pint-size bag. Seal the bag tightly, so that none of the liquid will leak out.
2. Fill the gallon-size ziplock bag halfway with ice cubes. Sprinkle Kosher salt over the ice cubes.
3. Insert the pint-size bag filled with ingredients into the bag of ice and salt. Seal the gallon-size ziplock bag. If the bag begins to leak, don't hesitate double bagging it to reduce the mess.
4. Shake the bag for 5-10 minutes until the ice cream mixture begins to harden. Feel the small bag to determine the consistency of your ice cream. Once satisfied with the consistency, remove the small bag from the bag of ice.
5. Open the small ziplock bag and add any desired mixins that you want. Feel free to eat the ice cream right out of the bag or, if you prefer, scoop it into a bowl.  

Caramel Fruit Dip

Makes about 8 cups of dip

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese

1 cup brown sugar

1 package vanilla pudding

1 tsp vanilla extract

32 oz vanilla yogurt

Instructions

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well with a hand blender until smooth and creamy.  

Serve with fruit!

Strawberry Shortcake

Preheat oven to 425 | Serves about 8 

Shortcake

2 1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 c butter, softened
2/3 c milk
1 egg

Whip Cream

2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 c powder sugar

3 pints fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar

Instructions

• Slice the strawberries and toss them with 1/2 cup of white sugar. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease and flour one 8 inch round cake pan.
• In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, 2 tablespoons white sugar and the salt. With a pastry blender cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and milk. Stir until just combined.
• Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool partially in pan on wire rack.
• Slice partially cooled cake in half, making two layers. Place half of the strawberries on one layer and top with the other layer. Top with remaining strawberries and cover with the whipped cream.
• Whipped cream instructions: combine cream, vanilla and powdered sugar in a medium bowl - whip on high for several minutes with a handheld mixer.

Orange Julius

Remember standing in line at the Orange Julius stores in the mall for these drinks in the 90's? I totally do! :D These are a perfect summer treat to cool you down!

Makes 2 large or 4 small glasses

Ingredients

1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 6-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup sugar (or sugar substitutes, check package for equivalence)
1 1/2 cups ice

Equipment

Blender
Glasses

Instructions

1. Blend the milk and vanilla: Pour the milk and vanilla in a blender and pulse until combined.
2. Add the frozen concentrate: Add the frozen orange juice concentrate. Blend until fully combined with the milk.
3. Add the sugar and ice cubes: Blend until cubes are crushed and mixture has thickened. If things end up a little thick, just add a tablespoon of water and mix once again.
4. Pour and enjoy: Pour the drink into glasses. Serve with a straw and sip your way to blissful happiness.

Walking Tacos

Serves 4-6

(Double this recipe if feeding 8-10)

This is the perfect summer dinner for kids (and adults, let's be honest)! And the perfect dinner for camping!  Check it out...

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef*
1 packet of taco seasoning, or about 2 tablespoons
4-6 small bags of Frito chips (and/or Doritos!)

Toppings (all optional, put on whatever your heart desires ;) )

Cheese
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Olives
Guacamole/Avocados
Green or red onion
Sour cream
Salsa
Ranch
... the list goes on!

*ground beef with taco seasoning can be substituted by a couple cans of chili.

Instructions:

Brown beef in a large skillet, add taco seasoning.  Once cooked through, simmer on low for 10 mins. Open chip bag, add beef and toppings.  Stick a fork in it and tada!  Dinner!