Hello, my lovely readers!

I hope your summer is going as splendidly as ours here in Darien, Connecticut. The Long Island Sound is a picturesque sight to behold as we go sailing, and my youngest, Nick, has taken quite a liking to being on the water. He’s a bit of a rascal, as I’ve mentioned before, but he has an adventurous spirit that’s truly infectious.

One hot day last week, after an exciting day of sailing, we all came home with sun-kissed skin and a craving for something sweet and cold. My three marvelous children looked at me with their pleading eyes. And as any mom knows, there’s nothing more irresistible than your children’s puppy dog eyes asking for a homemade treat.

So, I decided to whip up one of our family favorites – a recipe that has been passed down from my grandmother to my mom, and now to me. It’s a delectable homemade ice cream – but not just any ice cream – it’s my special Cornstarch Vanilla Ice Cream. It has the perfect balance of creamy and sweet, and I can assure you, it’s the best way to beat the summer heat!

Now, if you’re wondering why cornstarch is included – it’s a little secret my grandmother let me in on. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent and gives the ice cream an extra smooth and creamy texture that’s just divine!

And so, without further ado, here’s the treasured family recipe.

Lisa’s Special Cornstarch Vanilla Ice Cream:
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little milk until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir continuously until it starts to thicken slightly.
4. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Let the mixture cool down completely before pouring it into your ice cream maker.
6. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions for churning.
7. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
8. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

This ice cream was an absolute hit! Nick, with his cute little face smeared with ice cream, declared it was “the best day ever!”. And that’s what makes it all worth it – seeing their radiant smiles and creating these sweet memories.

Remember, there’s no greater joy than cooking with love for your family. Until next time!

Stay cool and sweet,
Lisa