I've actually made this ice cream before. The first time I made it was as part of a Daring Bakers challenge, back in February of last year. I’m kind of surprised that I haven’t made it since, but that’s probably because I’ve been too busy trying out other flavors. More recently, I made the Caramel Ice Cream recipe from Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc at Home. The ingredients for the two recipes are pretty much the same—sugar, water, cream, milk, egg yolks, and salt. Dorie’s recipe also includes vanilla. Where the two differ is in the proportions. The Ad Hoc recipe uses a 1:1 ratio of cream to milk, whereas the TWD recipe is 1:2. The Ad Hoc recipe also uses a significantly higher proportion of egg yolks—5 yolks for 2 cups of liquid, versus 4 yolks for 3 cups. The question is, is it worth it to make the richer recipe?
How long have you been blogging and why did you decide to start?
I have been blogging since July 2009. I decided to start my blog so I could share my thoughts and adventures related to ice cream. Before I started the blog I had already visited many ice cream shops, so I wanted to share that experience with others. Plus I was about to embark on the task of learning to use my new ice cream maker and making recipes, so why not write about it?
How did you decide on the theme for your blog?
I think I kind of described that above. I love ice cream so that was easy. There is also more info on my About Me page.
What are some of the blogs you like to read?
Oh, there are several! I love the blogs with pretty food pictures and helpful tips. Some of my favorites are listed on the side bar of my blog. I really enjoy reading Tartlette, Running with Tweezers, Gluten-free Girl & the chef, use real butter, to name a few. There are definitely more.
What is your favorite food and/or cuisine? (that you either like to eat or make)
Well the easy answer would be ice cream. But I also enjoy many desserts, especially those featuring fresh fruit. Other than dessert, I enjoy Asian flavors such as Thai and Indian cuisine. My favorite dish of all time is probably my mom's lasagna.
What do you eat when you just can't decide what to make for dinner (or just don't have the energy for it)?
Usually spaghetti, or we order pizza. My favorite quick meal, especially when my husband is out of town and I don't feel like cooking too much, is Mac & Cheese with tuna fish mixed in. Sounds weird but its awesome!
What is your favorite kitchen gadget?
My zester. Couldn't live without it.
What piece of kitchen equipment is at the top of your wishlist?
Sounds silly, but a good candy thermometer...still don't have one. Another item I'd like is a Foley Mill. Nothing fancy. I'm fortunate to have a lot of kitchen gadgets already.
Who is your favorite cookbook author and/or favorite cookbook?
This is a tough question. The cookbook I reference the most is Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz. Many of my recipes for ice cream as variations of his recipes. He provides excellent inspiration. My favorite "food" cookbook right now is Martha Stewart's Cooking School.
Share a couple of interesting non-blogging facts about yourself...
Blogging is not my full time job (but I'd like to keep that a secret). I love to spend time with my husband and two cats, enjoying the warm weather in New Orleans. I actually love everything about food and enjoy going out to eat and trying new things. In my spare time, I run and bike...I always say that I run to eat. :)
Your ice cream looks wonderful. I do have to venture into that Ad Hoc recipe you all made when I was gone or busy or something or other so I couldn't do it. Fun to read about Lindsay and her blog.
ReplyDeletegreat analysis of the recipes! i'll be sure to check out your adopt a blogger blog buddy :)
ReplyDeleteYour ice cream looks great with the strawberry sauce--I think fruit is really nice with rich ice cream.
ReplyDeleteYum. I think I would explode with guilt if I tried the TK recipe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on your blogging buddy. I will definitely have to check out her blog. Ice cream...yeah!! Nice job here, Di!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to pair the ice cream with strawberry sauce! Love the blgger buddy interview. I'll definitely be checking out Lindsay's blog :-)
ReplyDeleteThe ice cream looks great, Di! But TK's is next on my list - you all have totally sold me on that one. Glad everyone enjoyed this. Fun to learn a little bit about Lindsay, too!
ReplyDeleteO! goodness!! Strawberry syrup/sauce. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the intro to Lindsey.
Ice cream is a favorite in our house! Thanks for sharing your experience. Great interview on Lindsey!
ReplyDeleteThe ice cream is wonderful! I like the sauce on it.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that ice cream amazing. I made something similar to this last summer and I absolutely love it. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteYummy! But I total agree with you on this one vs. the AHAH caramel ice cream. It was the best ever.
ReplyDeleteAren't you sweet to adopt a blogger! I'll have to visit Lindsay and ogle her ice creams. :-)
LOVE that strawberry sauce on the ice cream! Love that you adopted a blogger! Great Q & A!
ReplyDeleteLove all your research on the two recipes! I need to try the TK one soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making this recipe along with me for TWD. I loved it.
Now...I must make a strawberry sauce like yours.