Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

I can't think of a better recipe for Halloween!

It's Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream!! And it is deeelicious!! And worthy of all these exclamation points!!

As long as you have an ice cream maker, you are just a few steps away from this pumpkin ice cream. Like the other ice creams I have shared on the blog previously, this is a simple ice cream - which basically means it is a base of milk and cream, with no fussy eggs to temper and thicken. A combo of pumpkin pie spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, give a classic summer treat a tasty fall-ready make-over.

Because this ice cream includes canned pumpkin, which has a bit of water content, I do take a few extra steps before churning the ice cream base. First, I combine the sugars and dairy in a saucepan and warm it to 170 degrees. This will allow the sugars to melt and thicken the cream slightly without scorching. After completely chilling the ice cream base and the pumpkin mixture, I mix the two together along with a splash of pumpkin liqueur. The liquor will keep the consistency of the ice cream from becoming too icy as a result of the water in the pumpkin puree. It's science! You can leave out the booze if serving this to children, just keep in mind you may find the texture a tad icier (still delicious, though).

As for serving this ice cream, I think it is so flavorful and tasty that it can stand alone on it's own. But, I 100% would NOT judge if you threw in some crumbled gingersnaps, drizzled a bit of caramel sauce on top and added some whipped cream for good measure. Tis the season!

Here's what you need for Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream* (Print Recipe!)

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk or half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon or less ground cloves
1 tablespoon pumpkin liqueur (bourbon would work, too)

Here's what you do

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, vanilla, and sugars. Affix a candy thermometer to the pan and gently bring the mixture up to 170 degrees. Stir frequently. Once up to temperature, transfer to a heatproof bowl and cool to room temperature. Chill in the fridge overnight. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin and the spices. Place in the refrigerator to chill as well.

Spoon a little bit of the cream mixture into the pumpkin and stir until smooth. Combine with the remaining cream mixture and stir in the liqueur. Churn in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions (for me, about 15 minutes). It will be like soft serve immediately after churning. I prefer to freeze for at least 4 hours in a freezer-safe container before scooping and enjoying.

*Adapted slightly from Food Network

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Peas

What is it about a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that can turn a bad day upside down?

This particular recipe is exactly what I want to be eating right now. It's bursting with fresh lemon flavor, but at the same time it is the perfect comfort food dish thanks to a decadent bechamel sauce and buttery roasted salmon. We aren't diving head-first into rich wintertime casseroles, rather we're tip-toeing into what is (in my opinion) the best time of year for cooking. 

Let's talk about this Creamy Lemon Pasta with Roasted Salmon and Peas. Surely it is reminiscent of pasta carbonara, with a super creamy sauce (though not from eggs), a rich fatty protein (this time salmon over bacon), and little bursts from frozen peas. For the pasta, I used bucatini which I just love particularly for it's chewier, sturdy texture. It holds up extremely well to our cream sauce, which is made all the more irresistible on account of it starts with sauteed garlic and sliced leeks in a bit of butter and olive oil before finishing with a generous sprinkle of lemon zest and juice <3 

Oh, and by the way...the salmon? It is AMAZING on it's own, a dinner in and of itself. We are simply taking it to the next level by breaking it up and tossing it into this pasta dish. I roast the salmon skin side down on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and drizzled with olive oil. Then, I generously season the flesh with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Lay a few lemon slices over the top before baking and viola! Perfectly cooked, ridiculously simple salmon. 

Let's bid farewell to summer and welcome fall with this fresh and cozy pasta!