Coconut Ice Cream

I have told you about my love of coconut in the past.  Here is one of my most recent concoctions that I thoroughly enjoy.  This recipe for coconut ice cream is like eating a bowl of Coconut Froze Fruit Bars.

Coconut Ice Cream

Ingredients

1 can evaporated milk, 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp coconut extract, 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup toasted coconut

Directions

In an 8-cup measuring cup with a spout, combine all the ingredients except for the toasted coconut.  Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.  Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the directions of your appliance.  Add the toasted coconut 10 minutes into the freezing process.  Enjoy your ice cream right away or save it for later!

The Perfect Beach Day

If you are ever in Stone Harbor, New Jersey on a Tuesday, here is my plan for the perfect day.  This just happens to be a recap of my day off on Tuesday.  Of course, you need to start your day at the Bread and Cheese Cupboard.  I happened to start my day with a blueberry scone and a cup of coffee.  Then I walked around town to do a little morning window shopping.  I went to the beach around noon to sit and relax.  I met a few friends so I could catch up on all the latest gossip.  Around 2:30, we decided to go for a long beach walk.  With my feet splashing through the shallow water, I was at peace with the world.  After we returned from our walk, it was time to leave the beach.  I went back home to grab a refreshment and sit by the pool and unwind.  I took a quick dip and then read my book for a little while.  Around 7:45, I met up with my friend Tara for dinner at Marabella’s Family Restaurant.  They are celebrating their 40th season this year and make old world Italian dishes to satisfy the tastebuds.  In fact, Dr. Oz happens to think so as well since he ate there this past Memorial Day Weekend.  After dinner, we headed over to the Windrift for Wing Night.  I checked out the newly renovated space and I was amazed.  The Windrift has transitioned itself from a beach bar into an upscale beach lounge.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.  There is nothing better than sipping a beer with the ocean breeze surrounding you.Image

Waffle House Waffles

Well if you have ever been on a real road trip, I’m sure you have seen the black letters in yellow blocks that spell out “WAFFLE HOUSE”.  Take it from me, it is worth the stop.  With the right prices and quick service, your experience at the Waffle House is sure to be enjoyable.  In the meantime, here is a reproduction of their famous pecan waffle recipe compliments of Food Network Magazine.  I didn’t have pecans so I left them out.

Pecan Waffles

Ingredients

3/4 cups toasted pecans, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 large egg, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled), 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (melted and cooled)

Directions

Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl.  Do not mix in pecans just yet.  Whisk together wet ingredients in a bowl.  Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.  Batter will still be lumpy.  Do not over mix.  Preheat waffle iron and brush with melted butter.  Sprinkle with 2 tbsp pecans.  Cook until golden brown.  Top your waffle with maple syrup and enjoy.  They are so delicious you don’t even need butter on top!