Here in Oregon, the summers delight and astound all the senses with rich botanical splendor. Sweet scented air wafts through our windows and colorful flowers dance freely in the breeze. On the hottest days, the rich green foliage offers cooling shade. For many of us, summer is a time of outdoor events and celebrations. What better way to celebrate than with freshly made ice cream?
Capture the essence of summer with these simple-to-make ice cream recipes inspired by summer’s fresh flowers. Perfect for sunset parties in the backyard, DIY wedding celebrations, or an enjoyable bite with your favorite companion, these unique flavors are well-balanced and sure to charm the taste buds all summer long. Now, let’s gather our ice cream bouquet!
Vanilla Rose Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups organic half & half
1 cup organic heavy cream
1/2 cup organic sugar
1 organic vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 cup organic dried rose buds or petals
1 teaspoon organic Love Tea, brewed and strained (found at Mountain Rose Herbs Mercantile)*
Combine half & half, heavy cream, sugar, scraped vanilla bean pulp, rose buds, and vanilla bean pod in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture just barely begins to simmer. Do not boil! Remove the mixture from heat immediately and allow to cool for a few minutes. Strain out the rose buds and vanilla bean pod. Pour the strained mixture into a lidded container, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Whisk in the brewed and strained Love Tea. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker to freeze as directed. Once semi-solid, spoon the mixture back into a lidded container and harden in the freezer for at least one hour before serving.
* Use more Love Tea in your brew for a stronger flavor note or less to make it subtle. Brew extra and enjoy a cup of tea after you’re done!
Chocolate Lavender Ice Cream
This gentle massage oil is perfect for nurturing the dry skin of both mother and baby. Apply after bathing or anytime skin needs moisturizing. You can also pour a small amount into bathwater for a luxurious pampering bath for yourself.
Ingredients:
2 cups organic half & half
1 cup organic heavy cream
1/2 cup organic sugar
1 cup organic cacao powder
4 teaspoons organic lavender flowers
2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
Combine half & half, heavy cream, sugar, cacao, and lavender in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture just barely begins to simmer. Do not boil! Remove the mixture from heat immediately and allow to cool for a few minutes. Strain out the lavender. Whisk in the vanilla extract and pour the mixture into a lidded container. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze as directed. Once semi-solid, spoon the mixture back into a lidded container and harden in the freezer for at least one hour before serving.
Honey Chamomile Ice Cream
This gentle massage oil is perfect for nurturing the dry skin of both mother and baby. Apply after bathing or anytime skin needs moisturizing. You can also pour a small amount into bathwater for a luxurious pampering bath for yourself.
Ingredients:
2 cups organic half & half
1 cup organic heavy cream
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons local organic honey
1/4 cup organic chamomile flowers
2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
Combine half & half, heavy cream, honey, and chamomile in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture just barely begins to simmer. Do not boil! Remove the mixture from heat immediately and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Strain out the chamomile. Whisk in the vanilla extract and pour the mixture into a lidded container. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze as directed. Once semi-solid, spoon the mixture back into a lidded container and harden in the freezer for at least one hour before serving.
Jasmine Green Tea Ice Cream
This gentle massage oil is perfect for nurturing the dry skin of both mother and baby. Apply after bathing or anytime skin needs moisturizing. You can also pour a small amount into bathwater for a luxurious pampering bath for yourself.
Ingredients:
2 cups organic half & half
1 cup organic heavy cream
1/2 cup organic sugar
2 tablespoons organic jasmine green tea
2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
2 teaspoons organic matcha green tea powder
Combine half & half, heavy cream, sugar, and jasmine green tea in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture just barely begins to simmer. Do not boil! Remove the mixture from heat immediately and allow to cool for a few minutes. Strain out the green tea. Add matcha green tea powder and stir well. Whisk in the vanilla extract and pour the mixture into a lidded container. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze as directed. Once semi-solid, spoon the mixture back into a lidded container and harden in the freezer for at least one hour before serving.
