Strawberry Goodness

If I had to pick a favorite food that definitely wells up worship inside me, it would be a hard choice between Ruffles & Hidden Valley ranch dip, spicy fried chicken, bacon, and strawberries. Most of my friends might be surprised to find that good strawberries probably top my favorites list above bacon (for which my admiration is well known, hehe). It's just that bacon is pretty consistent whereas some batches of strawberries are good and others are mediocre at best.

Anyway, I am always interested in recipes for pretty much homemade strawberry anything! I recently came across a simple recipe for strawberry ice cream that does not require an ice cream maker and thought I would share it with you. I found the recipe here and have made measurement conversions and ingredient adjustments to be able to make this recipe in the U.S. My trial run led to delicious tasting ice cream, but I did find it to have a bit of an icy/grainy texture. Let me know if you end up with a creamier consistency. I may have slacked a little on whisking times as sometimes you just have to make allowances for spontaneous steakburgers and games of 42!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/3 1lb containers of good strawberries
• 2/3 cup of extra fine granulated sugar (can be found in grocery stores or you can be cheap like me and try to make your own with a food processor or clean coffee bean grinder)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 10oz heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cu + 1Tbs + 1tsp milk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Wash, de-stem, and core (if necessary) strawberries. I also halved or quartered them for easier processing (since I don't own a food processor).
2. Set aside about a dozen strawberries, and put the rest in a food processor (or blender) with the sugar and lemon juice. Process (or blend) until smooth, and transfer to a bowl.
   
3. Put the dozen strawberries into the food processor until mangled. I used my little electric chopper for this job. Add mangled strawberries to the bowl of liquidy, strawberry goodness.
   
4. Put the cream into the processor until it is thickened but not stiff.
   
5. Pour the cream and milk in with the strawberries and mix thoroughly with a whisk.
   
6. Place the bowl in the freezer. Remove from the freezer and whisk every hour for at least four times total.
   
7. After the last whisk, transfer to a tub with a lid and freeze until solid.
   
8. Eat and enjoy!
   

Domestic Bliss

Growing up, it seems we never appreciate the opportunities we're given until we're older. Now, I find I really enjoy domestic arts. Sorry, mom, for refusing your cooking lessons for so many years. Also, with grandparents and aunts and uncles in other states, there was no one to teach me the arts of crochet or sewing.

I love all these domestic arts, because they are such wonderful tools God has given us with which to reflect the light of love from its Source. I enjoy cooking/baking, because I love caring for my family in this way and hosting and feeding others. It is a reflection of God's provision for us and His richness. He doesn't just give us food to sustain us and keep us alive, but He gives us flavors and tastebuds, noses and scents, eyes and colors to behold to enjoy. I love crochet, because I can give something homemade, time/thought/effort-rich, and prayed over with love to encourage another. Every other crochet project I work on is a small blanket for our church's miscarriage and infertility ministry; the hope is that it will be a small tangible reminder of God's compassionate character. I (once I really get started, am sure that I will) love sewing, because it will help me serve my household and help and encourage others. I look forward to reflecting how God made me in sewing projects and perhaps giving others sewn gifts one day as a reminder that the recipient is loved.

So as I am just starting to really grow in these domestic arts, I wondered whether I should include my journey in this blog, in a separate blog, or not at all in the internet world. But as I searched the depths of the internet for crochet goodness the other day, I stumbled across a blog that helped me make this decision. The internet has been such a helpful tool in encouraging me in the Lord through growing and equipping me in the areas in which He has given me a passion to glorify Him. So I don't think it would be out of place on this blog of our lives and learnings to share these adventures, recipes, skills, projects, and tips with you.

I know some of you readers have no interest in domestic arts, but I encourage you also to remember, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17). Whether your thing is computer programming, reading books and seeking out knowledge, athletics, or sci fi, remember, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). God created you with your passions, talents, and giftedness that you may passionately, gratefully, and joyfully glorify Him.

So to kick things off, I will write two posts in one day - this one and a recipe for strawberry goodness. I know strawberries certainly lead me to worship! Enjoy!