First gelato of the season
There may be an absence of pictures in the next few days---I’m waiting for Windows to arrive so I can download PhotoShop onto my new computer. Yes, that’s right….I’ve been typing all these fabulous entries on my MacBook that was an early birthday present to myself. It’s so cute, all white with rounded corners, and sweet little icons—as my brother says, “I just want to give it a hug before I go to bed.” It really is that cute.
We’ve been enjoying the warm summer weather. I broke out the ice cream maker for the first run of the season last weekend. I’ve been dreaming of ice cream sandwiches with all kinds of combinations between cookies and cream. My first 2008 gelato was fresh basil. I could tell Matt had some trepidation about my choice. I could see him thinking, but there’s so many normal flavors out there, why’d you have to start with basil. It took him a couple of spoonfuls until he was convinced. My ultimate sundae with this flavor would be olive oil tortas from Spain (crisp sugary cookies with just a hint of anise) and a thick balsamic reduction. A dessert Caprese….Last night I made chocolate lavender gelato, which was good. Of course, Matt thought it was too floral at first, but was again converted with a second helping. I have a pretty decent herb garden, so the flavor possibilities are endless…..although maybe I will just do a plain ol’ vanilla bean and of course, homemade hot fudge.
Matt and I were invited over to our friends’ place last night for margaritas and nachos. She apologized by saying, “I don’t feel like making dinner.” To me, it was better than dinner. I’m a big fan of having people for non-dinner courses, like dessert and drinks, or football and snacks, or movies and popcorn. It was a beautiful night with a nearly full moon and rustic country garden. We were sitting in an old chicken coop that was converted into a three-sided lean-to, with a tiny bubbling fountain right beyond the concrete floor, and your choice of views; mountains and the field, the garden, and the yard back towards the house. Before the nachos, we picked red currants, bags and bags of them. Apparently, they fruit every year and go to waste, so I couldn’t let that happen. That’s going to be my Saturday project, making red currant jam.
I wish summer went on for six months instead of three.
Posted on Fri, July 18, 2008
by emilygold