PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM PIE: Perfect for the Holidays!

When I was little, we went on long turnpike rides to visit family during the holidays. On the way, we always stopped at Howard Johnson's, the roadside retreat, and my treat was Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. It didn't matter what the weather was like outside, that Peppermint Ice Cream was delicious -- rich and creamy, filled with lots of crunchy peppermint pieces. It was served in simple cones then, but this recipe for Peppermint Ice Cream Pie takes it one step further. This is a great last minute dessert when you have unexpected company during the holidays--or plan on it!

Even though it's freezing outside, this shouldn't keep you from making this simple delicious Peppermint Ice Cream Pie. As a matter of fact, now's the time to make this when the Limited Edition flavors hit the frozen dairy case. Dreyer's Ice Cream (Edy's in the Midwest and on the East Coast) has a very good Peppermint Ice Cream. Fenton's, a local favorite, has terrific Peppermint Ice Cream, too. Of course, you can use any Peppermint Ice Cream you like! You can even make your own! Scroll down for an easy no-churn recipe for Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. 

Tip: Be sure and put the pie crust in the freezer rather than refrigerator for an hour before filling, so it doesn't get soggy.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

Peppermint Oreo Pie Crust

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups of crushed Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joes (oreo-like with peppermint filling), finely crushed (whirl in a blender or put in plastic bag and use rolling pin)
2 1/2 ounces of melted unsalted butter

Directions

Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl.
Pour mixture into 9 inch pie pan and press into the bottom and up the sides evenly.
Smooth surface with the back of a spoon.
Freeze pie crust for at least an hour.

Filling:
1 carton (1.5 quarts) Peppermint Ice Cream  (leave out for 10-15 minutes to soften) 

(or make your own: See below.)
2 candy canes, crushed

Directions:
Spread softened ice cream evenly on frozen crust.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Freeze for several hours until firm.
Cut into wedges to serve.

NO CHURN PEPPERMINT STICK ICE CREAM

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream 

1/2 tsp peppermint extract 

Crushed candy canes

1/2 cup sugar 

Directions

Put cream, extract, and sugar in blender.  

Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Fold in crushed candy canes.

Pour in freezer safe container. Freeze for 4-6 hours.

NO CHURN PEACH ICE CREAM: National Peach Ice Cream Day

Today is National Peach Ice Cream Day. This recipe is so easy, and you won't need an ice cream maker! Also no eggs and no cooking! How easy is that? Add your favorite dark chocolate sauce, and you have an elegant dessert! So here's the recipe for a hot summer day! Enjoy!

NO CHURN PEACH ICE CREAM

• Ingredients
• 5 extra ripe peaches (before you ask--you don't have to peel them unless you want to)
• ▢ 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
• ▢ 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ▢ pinch of salt
• ▢ 1 can sweetened condensed milk (chilled)

Directions

Wash peaches, quarter, and remove pits. Puree in food processor until smooth. Set aside.

Whip chilled whipping cream, vanilla, and salt until stiff peaks form. 

Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well to combine.

Add peach puree and mix well to combine. 

Pour into a chilled freezer safe container (a metal loaf pan works well) and freeze 3-6 hours.  

Tip, if it's too hard, leave out for a few minutes to soften. 

Drizzle your favorite dark chocolate sauce on the dished up peach ice cream.

NO CHURN COFFEE ICE CREAM WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS!

I'm not really a coffee drinker, but I do like Coffee Ice Cream. And what could be better than Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips? Don't have an ice cream maker? No worries. Here's another of those Retro Recipes for ice cream without churning. 

No Churn Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips!

Ingredients
1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong cold coffee
2 cups cold heavy cream
1/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions
In medium bowl, stir together condensed milk, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate chips.
In separate bowl of standing mixer, whip cream until soft peaks form.
Whisk one third of whipped cream into coffee mixture.
Fold remaining whipped cream into coffee mixture until incorporated.
Pour into 9 × 5-inch loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until firm -- about 6 hours or overnight.

How easy is that?

No Churn Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips

Today is National Coffee Ice Cream Day. I'm not really a coffee drinker, but I do like coffee ice cream. And what could be better than Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips? Don't have an ice cream maker? No worries. Here's another of those vintage recipes for ice cream without churning. 

No Churn Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips!

Ingredients
1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
1 Tbsp Madagascar vanilla extract
1/2 cup strong cold coffee
2 cups cold heavy cream
1/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions
In medium bowl, stir together condensed milk, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate chips.
In separate bowl of standing mixer, whip cream until soft peaks form.
Whisk one third of whipped cream into coffee mixture.
Fold remaining whipped cream into coffee mixture until incorporated.
Pour into 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until firm -- about 6 hours or overnight.

Magic (no churn) Chocolate Ice Cream: 1941 Retro Ad & Recipe

It's going to be a scorcher this weekend, and what's more refreshing than chocolate ice cream? And, no-churn ice cream at that! Here's an August 8, 1941 Retro ad and recipe from Borden's Eagle Brand for Magic Chocolate Ice Cream.  I love Elsie the Cow, and I'm definitely take her advice on bringing "homemade ice cream to the social." Luckily, I have an automatic refrigerator! Gotta love these 'story' ads. "If it's Borden's, it's got to be good."