Rhubarb Ice Cream + Weekly Inspirations

Rhubarb always catapults me back to my childhood in an instant.  My Mom would prepare it in a simple fashion by cutting into cubes along with adding a bit of sugar and then proceed to cook it until soft.  She would let it cool and we would eat it.  I absolutely love it prepared this way.  With the season in full swing, I thought why not make some Rhubarb Ice Cream to celebrate the season and near arrival of summer.  I wanted to add that something extra to the recipe, so I added pomegranate liquor.  Quite honestly, it was the perfect addition.

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Rhubarb Ice Cream

Rhubarb

1 pound Rhubarb, chopped (remove all green leaves)

¼ Cup + 2 Tablespoons Sugar

1 Tablespoon Water

Add the rhubarb, water and sugar to a medium sized sauce pan and cook over medium heat.  Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the rhubarb is soft and let cool completely in the refrigerator. 

Ice Cream Custard

2 Cups Heavy Cream

¼ Cup Milk

4 Tablespoon Pomegranate Liquor

6 Tablespoons Sugar

In a medium pot, add the cream, milk and sugar.  Cook on medium high until it is lightly scalded and the sugar is dissolved.  Remove any film from the scalding process.  Let cool.  Add the pomegranate liquor and stir.  Cool completely in the refrigerator.

Making Ice Cream

Add the cooled rhubarb mixture to the cooled custard and stir until combined.  Add to your ice cream maker and process according to your machines instructions.  Transfer to a container and freeze until solid.

Weekly Inspirations

Trader Joe’s:

Cheese Spotlight

If you are like me and LOVE Trader Joe’s then I want to let you in on a quick secret.  Recently I was browsing through the cheese section and picked up aged white cheddar.  While checking out and chatting with the Trader Joe’s employee, he complimented me on choosing one of the “Spotlight” cheeses.  He went on to explain that about every 2 to 4 weeks, they rotate a different cheese and is typically an artisan cheese that they don’t normally carry.  If you are looking for unique and delicious cheeses, check out the spotlight.

Restaurant:

Gather

Yesterday my friend Helen took me out for my birthday celebration to Gather in Berkeley.  Having been there once before, I knew that we must enjoy the Bacon, Caramelized Onion, Oregano and Egg Pizza.  It has to be one of the most delectable pizzas on earth!  If you are heading to Berkeley, make a reservation at Gather – you won’t be disappointed.  By the way, enjoy their Kale Salad and Little Gem Salad – both divine!

Shopping:

4^th Street in Berkeley

After Gather, we ventured to one of our favorite shopping destinations in the Bay Area – 4^th Street.  Anthropologie, The Gardner, ZGallerie and CB2 are among my favorites.  If you are hungry check out Café Rouge, Zut and Tacubaya.  I have dined at all of those and highly recommend.

Happy Hour:

St. Germaine Cocktail

With it being birthday week, my parents took hubby and me out for my birthday dinner to Ruth’s Chris – a birthday celebration favorite.  Since we did not have to drive, we took part in having a pre-dinner cocktail.  One of my favorites is a St. Germaine Cocktail with a sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne with a splash or two of St. Germaine.  Simply refreshing!

Quote:

Happiness

Book release:

Revenge wears Prada

Just noticed that the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada has been released. I was so excited that I have already downloaded "Revenge Wears Prada" to my ipad.  I enjoyed the first one and read prior to the movie being released.

Food Blogger Spotlight:

Azmina from Lawyer Loves Lunch

If you have not met Azmina from Lawyer Loves Lunch in person, you are missing out on such a warm and bubbly person.  She is a petite ball of energy that just exudes with positive personality.  If you caught the first season of  Master Chef, you may remember her.  I have been a fan of her blog for a number of years and have had the pleasure of seeing her on a regular basis among other great food blogger friends.  We had a great jam making party at her house last year.  Azmina makes some mouthwatering delights and I highly encourage you to take a few minutes to delve into her beautiful site.

Simply Stunning:

The Perfect Crostini

When my friend Jean posted this Crostini, my mouth fell to the floor!  The combination of flavors along with the simply perfect photograph just made me swoon.  Don’t you agree?

Wishful Thinking:

Perfect Closet

Okay, we can all dream.  While sifting through Pinterest this week, I came across this beautiful closet and only wish I could select my outfits out of here each day.  It is good to dream.  Smile.