Fresh Cherry Ice Cream

This fresh cherry ice cream is made with ripe cherries, sugar and whipped cream. So easy and delicious, no churning required. Gin optional! The flavor of my favorite summer fruit shines through. 

I have so many favorite summer fruits that it really is hard to choose just one but fresh cherries are definitely in my top three, along with figs and watermelon. You just can’t buy cherries or figs any other time where I live and watermelon grown out of season or imported is usually not very sweet, which is always disappointing. 

Last summer I got lucky though because I came across whole boxes of cherries at a discounted price and we ate like cherry kings for almost two weeks. Most of them were eaten straight from the box but the rest were turned into muffins, jam, tarts and, finally, this very ice cream. 

Fresh Cherry Ice Cream

If you don’t have fresh cherries, I’d substitute frozen ones but make sure to pit them if they aren’t already pitted. And doublecheck that the pitting process didn’t miss any pits if they are. Nothing will break a tooth faster than biting down on a hard cherry pit when you weren’t expecting one! 

Ingredients

12.5 oz or 354g cherries

1 cup or 240ml water

3/4 cup or 150g sugar

1 2/3 cups or 393ml whipping cream

Optional: 2 tablespoons gin – I used strawberry infused gin for more fruity flavor 

Method

Pit the cherries. Chop them roughly (which helps to check for pits you might have missed!) and set aside a few for garnish for when you are freezing the ice cream later. 

Pulse the cherries briefly in a food processor. You want small chunks, NOT puree. 

In a pot large enough to hold the cherry chunks, dissolve the sugar in the water over a medium high heat and then heat to boiling.

Add in the cherries.

Cook until the liquid is reduced by about half and the temperature just reaches 220°F or 104°C. This could take as many as 20-25 minutes.

Remove the cherries from the heat and transfer them to another vessel to cool. 

Once they are cool, whip the cream to soft peaks. 

Gently fold a couple of spoonsful of the cream into the cooled cherries.

Then fold the cherries and cream into the rest of the cream. 

Gently does it! You don’t want to deflate the air in the whipped cream. 

Add the gin, if using, and fold again. This isn’t essential but I think it makes the ice cream easier to scoop and serve. 

Spoon the ice cream into a freezer friendly container with a lid. Top with the reserved chopped cherries then cover and freeze until set. 

Remove from the freezer 15-20 minutes before you want to serve it. 

Enjoy! 

Welcome to the 9th edition of Alphabet Challenge 2025, brought to you by the letter I. Many thanks to Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm for organizing and creating the challenge. Check out all the I recipes below:

• Sneha’s Recipe: Instant Urad Dal Flour & Rava Medhu Vadas 
• Blogghetti: Italian Chopped Salad 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Ice Apple Salad 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Ice Cream Wafflewiches 
• Food Lust People Love: Fresh Cherry Ice Cream 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Italian Ice 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Iced Gems 
• A Messy Kitchen: Irish Colcannon Mac and Cheese 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Italian Pasta Salad 
• Culinary Cam: Es Teler (Indonesian Drunk Ice)

Here are my posts for the 2025 alphabet challenge, thus far:

A: Roasted Asparagus Soup

B: Blistered Sugar Snap Peas

C. Jersey Royal Chicken Chorizo Traybake 

D. Small Batch Dried Apricot Jam 

E. Whipped Espresso Cream 

F. Fish Sauce Roasted Chicken 

G. Extra Herby Gremolata 

H. Smoked Herring Spread 

I.  Fresh Cherry Ice Cream – this post!

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Brown Butter Sourdough Waffles

These brown butter sourdough waffles get most of their rise from the baking powder and egg but all of their flavor from the sourdough starter and brown butter! They are fluffy inside and crispy outside. 

I had a love affair with brown butter a few years ago. It seemed to go so well in everything from wine sauce for lobster ravioli and braised baby turnips to shortbread cookies and banana muffins. In fact, I think I have shared six or maybe even seven muffin recipes with brown butter! It's so good, y'all! 

When I was looking at ways to add more flavor to a waffle batter, I suddenly remembered my old love. The reunion was sweet!  Brown butter adds a lovely subtle flavor and I think it also helped the waffles cook up crispier on the outside. 

Brown Butter Sourdough Waffles

My sourdough starter is 100 percent hydration meaning that whenever I add an amount of flour to feed it, I also add an equal weight of water. If your starter is thicker, you may need a little extra milk to thin the batter to a good consistency for waffles. All ingredients should be at room temperature so the butter doesn't harden up again before you can whisk the batter. This recipe make 6-7 Belgian waffles.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons or 42g unsalted butter

1/2 cup or 120g sourdough starter discard (unfed), at room temperature

1 cup or 240ml milk, at room temperature, plus a little extra if your starter is thick

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 cup or 125g flour 

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Canola or other light oil for greasing the waffle iron

To serve:

Your favorite syrup

Butter

Method

Brown your butter in a small pan, over a medium flame, watching it carefully as after it has completely melted and stirring occasionally. It will take a few minutes but the milk solids will separate out and start to brown. 

When the butter has become a light copper color, remove the pan from the heat, pour the butter into another vessel and set aside to cool. 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, sourdough starter, milk and egg until well combined

Add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt, and continue to whisk until smooth. 

If the batter seems too thick, add more milk as needed to thin out the texture. 

Preheat the waffle iron and lightly brush it with the oil. 

Ladle your waffle iron manufacturer’s recommended amount of the batter into the waffle iron making sure not to overfill! My first two are always a little smaller than they could be because I’m afraid to overfill and make a mess.

After that, I get braver!

Cook for 3-5 minutes - or as long as recommended by your waffle iron manufacturer - until golden and crisp. My waffle iron has a light that turns on and off to let you know when it has preheated sufficiently and when the waffles are cooked. Very handy! That said, I usually leave mine in just a little bit longer for extra toasting. 

Keep the waffles warm in a low oven as you cook each batch but if you like them crispy, do not cover with foil. This will cause them to soften from the trapped steam.

Serve warm with the syrup of your choice and more butter, if desired. 

Enjoy! 

Today for Sunday FunDay, we are celebrating Candlemas, that date on the Christian calendar when baby Jesus was first presented at the temple. The tradition is to make and eat crepes or pancakes, a custom attributed to Pope Gelasius in the 5th century who offered galettes to the pilgrims who came to carry candles in processions to mark the 40th day after Christmas. 

But, according to Sortir á Paris, it also has origins in pagan festivals. "In those days, Candlemas referred to the fertility of the earth. Farmers used to bake crêpes with surplus flour from the previous year. With their round shape and golden color, pancakes symbolized light, sunshine and the return of fine weather."

Whatever the reason, Christian or pagan, I'm always up for making batter for crepes or pancakes and today our host Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm said waffles are fair game too! Check out the great recipes we are sharing today.

• Food Lust People Love: Brown Butter Sourdough Waffles 
• Amy's Cooking Adventures: Lefse 
• Our Good Life: Pancake Puffs 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Roasted Vegetable Crepes 
• Karen's Kitchen Stories: Sourdough Pancakes 
• Culinary Cam: Strawberry Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

 

We are a group of food bloggers who believe that Sunday should be a family fun day, so every Sunday we share recipes that will help you to enjoy your day. If you're a blogger interested in joining us, just visit our Facebook group and request to join.

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Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole

This cheesy sausage and egg casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that your whole family will love! It rests in the fridge overnight, then baked when ready to serve. 

I was first introduced to a recipe like this a long, long time ago when a Canadian friend gave me a cookbook from home that she loved called The Best of Bridge. It was put together by a group of bridge playing ladies who so enjoyed the food they brought to share on games days that they decided to write a cookbook. 

Their warm and wonderful cookbooks are staples of Canadian culture and are still available today, almost 50 years after the first one was published! In that first book, which I still have and treasure, the breakfast casserole was called Christmas Morning Wife Saver. It called for Canadian bacon, naturally, or you could substitute ham. 

I made some version of it often years ago, sometimes substituting breakfast sausage or cooked crispy bacon instead but somehow it got dropped from the weekend/holiday rotation. Time to bring my rendition back! 

Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole

I like to spice things up with the addition of jalapeños but if your family can’t take the heat, feel free to add some chopped green peppers aka bell peppers instead for inside the casserole and to sprinkle on for garnish. I also use the Jimmy Dean “hot” sausage for extra spiciness. Use your favorite. 

Ingredients

1 lb or 450g bulk pork sausage

2 fresh jalapeños

6 large eggs

2 cups or 480ml milk

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 oz or 170g sliced sandwich bread – about 4-5 slices 

4 oz or 113g extra sharp cheddar, grated

For baking:

2 oz or 56g extra sharp cheddar, grated

Method

In a skillet, brown and crumble sausage; drain and set aside to cool.

Cut the bread into 1/2-inch  or 1cm cubes. I leave the crusts on.  

Cut several round slices of jalapeño to decorate the top before baking, then mince the rest and discard the stems. I leave the seeds and ribs in because we like things spicy but you can discard these if you don’t.  

In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the salt and mustard powder. Then add the milk and whisk again. 

Stir in the bread cubes, cheese, cooled sausage and minced jalapeños.

Spoon into a greased 9x13-in or 23x33cm baking dish. Cover snugly with cling film and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. 

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C. 

Top the casserole with the extra grated cheddar and decorate with the reserved jalapeño slices.

Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove the pan from the oven and let the casserole rest for five minutes, before cutting in squares to serve. I like to put out our favorite hot sauce in case anyone wants to add a sprinkle or two. 

Enjoy!

Welcome to the 19th edition of the 2024 Alphabet Challenge, brought to you by the letter S. Many thanks to Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm for organizing and creating the challenge. Check out all the S recipes below:

• Blogghetti: Air Fryer Sausage Balls
• Food Lust People Love: Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Cold Sesame Noodles
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Schezwan Sauce
• Sneha’s Recipe: Shami Kebabs
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Southern Style BBQ Shrimp
• Magical Ingredients: Spanakoparatha
• A Messy Kitchen: Strawberry Mint Spritzers
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Summer Squash Salad
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sweet Whiskey Skillet Teriyaki Chicken

Here are my posts for the alphabet challenge, thus far:
A: Anchovy Deviled Eggs
B: Spicy Braised Ginger Pork Belly
C: Cecilie's Favorite Coleslaw
D: Cajun Chicken Eggplant Dressing
E: Everything Pizza Tartin
F: Baked Chicken and Feta Meatballs
G: Grape Juice Jigglers
H: Crispy Bacon-wrapped Chicken Hearts
I: Raspberry Rhubarb Ice Cream
J: Java Dry Spice Mix Chops 

K. Korean Barbecue-style Meatballs 

L. Easy Lamb and Fresh Tomato Curry 

M. Fresh Mint Sauce 

N. Miso Butter Noodles 

O. Spicy Orange Braised Short Ribs 

P. Homemade Piri Piri Sauce 

Q, Cointreau Glazed Orange Quick Bread 

R. Leek and Lobster Mushroom Risotto 

S. Cheesy Sausage and Egg Casserole - this post!

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Leek and Lobster Mushroom Risotto

This Leek and Lobster Mushroom Risotto is a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort food, brightened by the addition of a lovely Tuscan kale and pistachio pesto. I’ve shared that in separate post to make each recipe more manageable but include the ingredients list here also to make your shopping easier. 

First, let’s talk briefly about lobster mushrooms. I came across them in the bulk section of one of our fancier grocery stores in Houston called Central Market. The orange color caught my eye and then, of course, the idea of a dried mushroom that potentially tasted of lobster made me buy some. 

I’m here to report that despite the name, lobster mushrooms are actually a fungus. While I was certain they weren't crustaceans, I was surprised to learn that they are not actually mushrooms either. Learn something new every day! 

According to Wikipedia, and I quote, “Hypomyces lactifluorum, or the lobster mushroom, is a parasitic ascomycete fungus that grows on certain species of mushrooms, turning them a reddish orange color that resembles the outer shell of a cooked lobster.” And further along in the article: “They have a seafood-like flavor and a firm, dense texture.” Hence the name. 

You can see the color for yourself in my photos below. They did taste rather of seafood and were a great addition to risotto. You could easily make this a vegetarian friendly dish by using vegetable stock instead of chicken. 

Leek and Lobster Mushroom Risotto

This recipe is adapted from one in delicious magazine from the March 2022 issue. It can also be found online here. If you can’t find lobster mushrooms, substitute your favorites. 

Ingredients

For the risotto:

1.75oz or 21g dried lobster mushrooms

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large leeks (trimmed weight 1.1 lb or 500g)

2 garlic cloves

2 cups or 410g risotto rice (Arborio or Carnaroli)

3/4 cup or 175ml dry white wine

4 1/3 cups or 1L quality chicken stock

3 1/2 oz or 100g Parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve

For the kale pesto:

Large bunch Tuscan kale or cavolo nero (Mine weighed 186g or 6 1/2 ozs)

1 3/4 oz or 50g shelled pistachios 

1 3/4 oz or 50g Parmesan or pecorino, finely grated

Finely grated zest and juice 1 lemon

2/3 cup or 100ml good quality olive oil

Fine sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Find instructions here: https://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/2024/08/tuscan-kale-pistachio-pesto.html

Method

Soak the dried lobster mushrooms in 2 cups or 480ml boiling water until soft. Strain the liquid to remove any dirt or impurities and add it to the chicken stock. 

Chop the mushrooms roughly and set aside. 

Trim and discard the hard green parts of the leeks and wash the white parts well. Thinly slice them. 

Using the side of a big knife, crush the cloves of garlic then chop them roughly.

Melt the butter in a deep sauté pan over a medium heat. Add the oil, leeks and a pinch of salt, then cover and cook, stirring regularly, for 8-10 minutes until very soft. In a separate pan, heat the stock over a low heat.

Add the garlic to the leeks and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the rice and stir to coat in butter and oil. 

Increase the heat to high, then pour in the wine and cook for 2-3 minutes until absorbed. 

Turn the heat back down to medium high. Gradually add the warmed stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until each addition of stock has almost all been absorbed before adding the next. 

Continue until you’ve added all the stock and the rice is al dente (still has some bite.) 

Stir in the grated Parmesan and the chopped lobster mushrooms.  

Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve as is or topped with Tuscan kale and pistachio pesto. 

Enjoy!

Welcome to the 18th edition of the 2024 Alphabet Challenge, brought to you by the letter R. Many thanks to Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm for organizing and creating the challenge. Check out all the R recipes below:

• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Cheeseburger Broccoli Rice Soup Casserole 
• Food Lust People Love: Leek and Lobster Mushroom Risotto 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Pan-Seared Scallops with Black Beans and Red Pepper Sauce 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Pineapple Fried Rice 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Pressure Cooker Rice Kheer With Homemade Masala Milk Powder 
• A Messy Kitchen: Rabrabrakake: Norwegian Rhubarb Cake 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Ragi Shavige Uppitu 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes 
• Magical Ingredients: Red lentil Paratha 
• Palatable Pastime: Ring Noodle Tuna Salad (Minnesota Style)
• Blogghetti: Roasted Rosemary Potato Peelings 
• Culinary Cam: Rose Petal-Strawberry Granita 

Here are my posts for the alphabet challenge, thus far:
A: Anchovy Deviled Eggs
B: Spicy Braised Ginger Pork Belly
C: Cecilie's Favorite Coleslaw
D: Cajun Chicken Eggplant Dressing
E: Everything Pizza Tartin
F: Baked Chicken and Feta Meatballs
G: Grape Juice Jigglers
H: Crispy Bacon-wrapped Chicken Hearts
I: Raspberry Rhubarb Ice Cream
J: Java Dry Spice Mix Chops 

K. Korean Barbecue-style Meatballs 

L. Easy Lamb and Fresh Tomato Curry 

M. Fresh Mint Sauce 

N. Miso Butter Noodles 

O. Spicy Orange Braised Short Ribs 

P. Homemade Piri Piri Sauce 

Q, Cointreau Glazed Orange Quick Bread 

R. Leek and Lobster Mushroom Risotto - this post!

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