Honey Dew Lime Ice Cream

We are in the height of honey dew melon season (along with watermelon and cantaloupe). I love them all but when you get a good one...nothing can beat the beautiful sweetness of a good honey dew.

I recently had 2 honey dew melons and knew I couldn't eat them both on my own before they went bad.
Sir Sportsalot and my youngest daughter aren't fans of it. My oldest daughter is, but she's so busy I hardly see her. With that in mind, I wanted to make something that would preserve the melon so nothing would go to waste.

I cut one of the melons open and was so disappointed. No flavor what so ever. Can't use that in ice cream. Honey dew has such a delicate flavor as it is, that it would've been completely lost in the cream. Thank God the second one was amazing! Plus this recipe only uses 2 cups so there was plenty leftover for enjoying on it's own.

Honey Dew Lime Ice Cream

Printable Version
Makes about 5 cups

2 cups chopped honey dew

juice from 1 lime (or 2 if your lime isn’t “juicy”)

2 ¼ cup whipping cream

⅔ cup sugar

pinch of salt

Zest from one lime

In a food processor or blender, puree the honey dew and lime juice.

In a medium size bowl, whisk together the cream, sugar and salt until sugar dissolves.

Pour honey dew mixture into cream mixture. Add the half of the lime zest and stir to combine. 

Cover and refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours or over night. The longer you chill it, the creamier your ice cream will be (says Alton Brown).

Taste your mixture. Add a bit more lime zest if desired. Save the rest to garnish.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and process according to your ice cream maker’s instructions.

Garnish with lime zest and chunks of honey dew if desired and enjoy.

The lime is a surprising flavor enhancer and if used sparingly, doesn't over power the delicate flavors of the melon. This ice cream is refreshing and subtle in it's richness making you want to savor each bite before digging in for more. 

Peanut Butter and Maple Ice Cream

Guess what I bought recently!!!

Yep...an ICE CREAM MAKER...and I am so excited. I had one years ago...loaned it out and never got it back. By the time I went to use it, I had forgotten who I loaned it to, or they forgot they borrowed it...and well, I found myself ice cream maker-less.

I was rather bummed. Don't you just hate when that happens?!

Before I made my purchase though....I ask everyone on my Facebook page what they recommended. The verdict? A resounding vote for Cuisinart.

And that's just what I did. Found myself at Bed Bath and Beyond (after searching a few other stores) with my 1.5 qt ice cream maker in hand....a 20% off coupon from the lady in line behind me (because I never actually "plan" on going to Bed Bath and Beyond) and when all was said and done, I spent under $45.00 for the easiest ever ice cream maker.

Btw.....when did they stop using ice and rock salt? (ya....it's been a while since I've owned one. Can you tell?)

Have I ever mentioned that I love peanut butter and maple? Oh ya....I did, in my Belgian Waffle post. Now I'm going to share the story that made it happen....

It all started years ago...when I was a young girl. One of my favorite sandwiches was peanut butter and honey. I'd make them often for my sack lunch. One morning when I had my taste buds set on having one for lunch that day, I discovered that we were out of honey. Mom?!! I have never been a bologna type of gal. Not sure why I just didn't use jelly (like everyone else)...soooo, I found myself pouring maple syrup all over my bread. Shoved it in a plastic baggy (not the zip lock kind.....the old fashioned kind....the ones that fold over. Remember those?) and off to school I went. When lunch time rolled around, I found myself with a bit of a sticky baggy....but something wonderful had happened. The syrup kinda crystallized and made the edges of my bread....the crust ....the part I NEVER ate....almost like candy. Not to mention the wonderful coming together of two great flavors. Meshing in your mouth to create something amazing. A love that apparently has lasted a lifetime.

And a love that has lead to this....

Peanut Butter and Maple Ice Cream (makes about 5 cups)
Printable Version

1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp maple flavoring / extract (if you don't have any....skip it)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup peanut butter

In a medium sized bowl, on low speed, beat together the milk, sugar and salt. Stir in the maple syrup, heavy cream, maple flavoring and vanilla extract. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 1 or 2 hours or longer (over night if need be).

Follow the instructions on your ice cream maker. After the ice cream is done, fold in the peanut butter. Enjoy now or store in the freezer until you  have a harder set.

 

Scoop and server

And enjoy as you taste a bit of my childhood obsession.

Note: this is a very sweet ice cream. There's no denying the flavor of maple. If your a bit hesitant....maybe omit the sugar all together. You could even omit the maple flavoring (might be redundant) and then increase the vanilla extract by a teaspoon. Either way...I hope you find yourself enjoying the combo of peanut butter and maple as much as I do.