Chocolate Chunk Cappuccino Ice Cream

I've just ventured into the realm of making my own ice cream and this is my first attempt. This is something I've been kicking around since I bought my ice cream maker. I love cappuccino and wanted to put it into ice cream form. This is a simple recipe and very rich. The scoops should be used sparingly. Photos to come!

Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1/2 cup instant cappuccino mix
6 egg yolks
1 large chocolate bar, broken into small chunks

Directions
Combine the cream, milk, sugar, cappuccino mix and coffee in a medium, heavy saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat.

Beat the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Whisk 1 cup of the hot cream into the egg yolks. Gradually add the egg mixture in a slow, steady stream, to the hot cream. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches 170 degrees F. on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down against the surface to keep a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Remove from the refrigerator and pour into the bowl of an ice cream machine. Add in broken chunks of chocolate bar. Freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the ice cream is made, transfer to an airtight container. Cover tightly and freeze until ready to serve.

Cheddar Apple Pie

This is a recipe I've had since 1983-84. It's one of the first pies I ever learned how to make. It was a big hit with the family during the holidays!!

Cheddar-Apple Pie

Cheddar pastry for two crusts

1 3/4 cups of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
7-8 tablespoons of water

Stir flour, salt and cheese together in a medium bowl. With a pastry blender or fork, cut in shortening until pieces are the size of small peas. Add the smaller amount of water and toss with a fork until all flour is moistened and mixture starts to form a ball. If necessary, add remaining water to crumbs in the bottom of the bowl. Gather dough in hands and gently shape into a flat ball.


Cheddar-apple pie:

double crust cheddar pastry
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter
6-7 cups thinly sliced apples(your choice)

Direction:

Prepare dough for pastry as above. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Cut in butter until pieces are the size of large peas. Place apple slices in a large bowl. Add sugar mixture and toss to coat apples. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion into an 11-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Spoon apple mixture into the unbaked pie shell. Trim edge of dough to rim of pan. Roll out remaining dough to a 12 inch circle. Cut slits as desired or slice into strip for lattice topping. Fit over filling. Fold top edge under bottom edge and flute as desired. Glaze and top as desired. Cover with foil and bake 25 mins. Remove foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes longer until golden brown, apples are tender and juices are bubbly.

*Just a side note, I always tended to do a lattice top for my pies. I just like how they look. It's just a personal preference. :)

Cheesy Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Beef

This recipe was first introduced to me by Magnus and his lovely ladywife, Grainne. It was a BIG hit so I finally asked for the recipe. This is my version of it!

2 cans cheddar cheese condensed soup

2 cans cream of potato condensed soup

4 cups of milk

1 package ranch dressing powder

1 container (8oz) sour cream

1 bag mixed vegetables

1 lb bacon (crisped)

1 lb kielbasa (browned)

1 tablespoon chives

Salt

Black pepper



Cook bacon in a skillet. Remove once crispy. Brown kielbasa in same skillet.
Remove. In a large pot, add in all but chives, salt, pepper and veggies. Turn
burner to medium and stir constantly until mixed completely. Add in veggies and
cook until tender. Add in bacon and kielbasa. Add seasonings. Serve.