.jpg?e0c879 "A Bowl of Cherries via A Thought For Food - www.athoughtforfood.net")
“Life is just a bowl of cherries, don’t take it serious, its mysterious. Life is just a bowl of cherries, so live + laugh + laugh at love, love a laugh, laugh + love.” – from Fosse
.jpg?e0c879 "A Bowl of Cherries via A Thought For Food - www.athoughtforfood.net")
I’m sitting down with a bowl of chocolate cherry ice cream. It’s nice to take a break every now and then… decompress… and focus on something as simple as a refreshing dessert. This is not always easy to do. Sometimes I forget to relax. I get stuck in my head, emotions build, heart races. I clench my teeth. Even worse, I grind them. I stress and hold it all in until I can’t take it anymore.
I get frustrated by little things. I can leave the house and hear or see something that’ll instantly make my jaw tighten and my shoulders tense.
And before you say anything, I’m well aware this isn’t healthy.
.jpg?e0c879 "Pitting Cherries via A Thought For Food - www.athoughtforfood.net")
My point is this: I want to make a change in my life.
I have Brooke - darling, sweet Brooke - who spoke so eloquently this last weekend at the Big Summer Potluck, to thank for this newfound inspiration. If there was one thing I got out of her talk (and there were many) it would be the importance of living in the moment. How much time we spend (especially those of us surrounded by technology) moving and “doing,” that we forget to just be in the moment. We forget to stop, breathe, and focus on where we are, who we’re with, what we’re eating.
The amount of time I spend typing away on my phone (or just refreshing the screen for that matter) uses up a lot mental energy. Being connected 24/7 is taking it’s toll and it gets in the way of living.
I’m tired of making excuses for why I don’t go to the gym or do any number of things. Why don’t I use this membership to the art museum more often? Why don’t I go to see more movies in the theater? Why am I not enjoying things the way I once did?
These questions don’t really matter, I guess. It’s what I do with them that’s important. Maybe if I calm down and clear my mind, things will change.
I need to. We all do.
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream with Coconut Milk
(Adapted (with permission) from Sprouted Kitchen, who adapted it from Hungry Girl Por Vida)
Makes about 1 quart
A Note from Sprouted Kitchen: “First off, be sure to use full fat coconut milk, the light stuff will turn out too icey.”
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cherries, pitted and quartered
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2 egg yolks
1/2 cup natural cane sugar
3 Tbsp. maple sugar (or just more natural cane sugar if that’s what you have)
1 13.5 oz. can coconut milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
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2 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped
Directions
Set a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, but do not let the bowl touch the water. Add the egg yolks and both sugars and stir to warm. As the sugar melts, it will become smooth and shiny. If these two need a bit of help melting, just add a spoonful of the coconut milk to get things moving along. Stir the mixture for about 5 minutes. Add the can of coconut milk and whisk everything to combine. As everything warms, it will get smoother. The custard will start to thicken just a bit. Stir in the vanilla, turn off the heat, strain through a fine strainer to remove any eggs bits and transfer the bowl to the fridge to cool completely.
Add the coconut custard to your ice cream maker and churn according to instructions. At about 75% finished, add in a cup of the chopped cherries and chocolate.
Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.
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We all need to calm down once in a while … and I am glad you did too! I recently made cherry ice cream and then coconut ice cream. Now I am loving this version of mix match!
Hook, line and sinker … I adore cherries and chocolate and smashed together. Then you added coconut milk – OH MY. Must make this!!!! Soon.
it looks so fabulous! I want to dig right in! Sweet sentiment too, nice work, my dear.
True on all counts. I felt so burnt out by social media, as much as I love my friends on the web, and though I was on it sporadically, while in Israel, it was nice to living and embrassing life to the fullest while there without reporting on every step. Is it my imagination Bri that you wanted to start making ice cream and recently took the plunge? My brain is fried so hetlagged! Love this version and I wish I had a scoop or bowlful!
Geez me that is how exhausted I am I knew something was off ‘embracing’ Excuse any other misspelling, typos, etc I am so jetlagged!
We do, we all need to. This ice cream looks magnificent, Brian!
You’re so right Brian……we certainly spend far too much time on social media and the phone- me included. It’s very hard finding that fine balance. I’m still trying
I like to put my phone in another room over the weekend to try to disconnect a bit. If I don’t, I find myself going from app to app refreshing to see new info. Sometime’s it’s just nice to read, watch tv and socialize without my phone in hand. Yoga helps too
I need a vacation with a big bowl of this ice cream! Gorgeous shots and post!
Well said. This ice cream needs to appear in my life. Awesome.
Well said and I totally agree…this ice cream looks amazing. It is on my must make list!
Love the addition of coconut milk!
Oh wow oh wow!!!! Number one I love what you said! And number two I cant wait to make this!!!
Man, I seriously need to invest in an ice cream maker…this looks delicious. And I hear you on needing to enjoy things more, it’s a problem I have too. Thanks for the reminder!
You can do it! Especially with a bowl of this in hand.
Cherry and chocolate–what’s not to love?
So true, Brian. And seriously delicious ice cream. I need to try using coconut milk sometime.
Another spot on post, Brian. Having spent the last 48 hours working on a post, I pulled myself offline this morning to spend some time with my kids at the park. It was completely refreshing and full of quality. The beauty of this life and this world is all around us, free of stress, if we just open our eyes to it. I appreciate your candor in discussing the gritty triggers that too often trip us up. BTW, it was great to see you in the photos from Chef Dennis’ post on the potluck.
Exactly, Brooks! I think it’s going to be a challenge… but little by little, I think I can make some changes in my life that will really allow me and my relationships (and my work) to grow. Thanks for stopping by again!
Love cherries in ice-creams – the coconut flavor takes it up a level. In a post not long ago I wrote about finding “island” throughout the day to help you relax. By islands I mean things/places/people that help you take you aways from the stress and decompress. I do this often – it helps to clear up the head and focus on things that are important. Don’t grind your teeth B. instead dig into a bowl of ice-cream
)
100% in agreement – it’s amazing how much conversation there is right now around the importance of stepping away from the internet a little more. And this ice cream, oh.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Brian! This is very true for all of us.
And this photo of the ice cream makes me want to have one scoop right now.
Oh who am I kidding? Make it 3 scoops!
Bang on! I`ve been trying to do that recently. I disconnect from all the social media and connect with my wife, family, friends. It`s hard, we all get caught up. But sometimes we just need to breathe. And I so wish I had heard Brooke`s talk. My loss for sure. As for your ice cream. Stunner. Love chocolate and cherries together and as an ice cream, boom. Beautiful.
Let’s get this out of the way- HOLY SH*T love the ice cream! Cherries and coconut are two of my fav. I never thought to combine the two for ice cream.
Now, I totally agree about being in the moment. I’m embarrassed to say, I definitely get caught up all the time with being distracted or being half present. Thanks for the reminder!
Well said, Brooke was certainly an inspiration. Don’t be too hard on yourself, you have taken actions and changed your life from BSP2 to BSP3. I hope this ice cream will always be your reminder to live the moment, I know I will.
Thank you so much for your kind words, beautiful musings, and incredible pictures. Those photos of your process show so much stillness, so much appreciating it made me sigh with happiness. thank you for the recipe and the opportunity to slow down and appreciate your beautiful blog!
xoxo
PS, getting to spend time with you this weekend was the highlight of my trip! You’re a love!
I was just reading an article saying the average teen texts 3,000 (something over 3,000)times per month! Great post and felt like I was reading about me. We all need more ice-cream and time to ourselves disconnected. xx
I’ve got a bowl of cherries on my desk at this very moment and I’m wishing they were mixed in ice cream!
I adore coconut milk ice creams. I’m so sad that I never see cherries at the market around here! I may cave at ye olde Whole Foods before the seasons out just so I can try this.. my father would go crazy for it, I’m sure. Then he’d be all shocked & confused by this “new fangled” coconut milk!
Lora, that’s incredible. 3,000? I guess I shouldn’t be that surprised. I’m always amazed every time I look at the number of Tweets I’ve sent out. Frightening.
I loved this post. I love your food, photography and writing. So glad to have found your site. I could not agree more with everything you said. I had a hard pregnancy that landed me in the hospital for months. Afterwards I found myself wanting to be more present, but as time has passed I’ve slowly become busier than I have ever been. I want to stop. Breath. And just be more. I want to be more present again, instead of always “plugged in” and “on”. I’m busy, but I have decided that no matter what, I will have nothing to do with social media, blogging etc on the weekends. Thank you for the reminder.
I can completely relate to you. I seriously feel the need to just STOP doing something constantly. Love visiting you space here
I clench my jaw too. A lot. I know all of those emotions and I find it hard to relax. I am trying! Your IC is gorgeous.
the light in your photographs is gorgeous! I hope you find your inner peace!
A beautiful and true post…one in which I found much to aspire towards. I also can get “set off” so easily, and I forget how healing it can be to let go and live. Oh, and this ice cream looks delicious. Just perfect, my friend.
Thank you, Monet! I hope we can share a bowl of ice cream soon!
Mmmmnnnnn. . . I LOVES me some cherries, especially when there are ferns in the background of the photograph.
Hay personas que insisten en que la vida es como un plato de cerezas. . . Y tal vez tengan razón. . . pero siempre debemos tener cuidado de recordar los puntos!
Oh boy, this brings me back to my days working at Ben & Jerry’s (first job, ever!)… I was a total Cherry Garcia whore… haven’t indulged quite like it, since. This is happening this weekend!
Ice cream never looked so gorgeous. Seriously Brian – you are beyond talented. I hope you have some leftover because I may just have to hop on a train and make my way to your kitchen for some.
[...] A Thought for Food: Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream [...]
OK, as the mom of someone about your age, this post has me happy. Why? I get weary of nonstop connectivity and how it affects relationships. I have no problem walking away but then I’m so doggoned immersed for most of the day while working that I know I need time away.
Maybe one day instead of viewing me as a fuddy duddy I will instead be seen as a prophet/sage. Funny…staying constantly connected to ‘friends’ keeps most people from having time for them as they should. Keeps distance between families (not just mine either) and needs to be a part of one’s life but not one’s life.
Good for you for realizing and even better for you for making this ice cream. I made cherry sorbet yesterday and bourbon chocolate ice cream today…it’s just that time of year isn’t it? Cherries abound and they make me happy!
What you said about being connected 24/7 taking its toll is so true, and it’s something I’m realizing since last weekend. I don’t think I knew how much it was getting in the way of things until I had a chance to let it go for a few days. I know we only talked briefly at BSP, but it was so nice meeting you. I hope we can talk more next year.
It’s so hard to get “unplugged” – I do think it adds to all the stress. I used to wonder why anyone would want to stay at a hotel that had no TV, internet or phone – now I wish I could visit one of those places.
I think we all feel this way. I hope you find your new way and can start relaxing a bit!
ps What a super duper yummy ice cream! I just made one (for my next post you copy cat) but I think I want to try this one next. Yum!
Love the quote at the start of your post! Sadly, I don’t have an ice cream maker but I love the idea of chocolate, cherries and coconut together. A beautifully sweet treat. Hopefully you have had time to disconnect, even if it is for a couple of hours.
I totally get this, Brian. Brooke’s words really resonated with all of us, I think. Part of the problem is that we enjoy what we do, so it doesn’t feel like work in our down time. So we end up on those little screens waaay longer than we should be!
Looking forward to hearing how you progress with this, friend.
I could definitely afford to spend a bit more time just living in the moment but I’m so Type A and GO GO GO all the time, that it’s hard. Sit me down with a bowl of this ice cream, though, and I guarantee I won’t be able to focus on anything else!
Chocolate and cherries…LOVE!
Yes, I need to remind myself often, too often, to just slow down and enjoy.
Looks delicious! I love cherry ice cream so this recipe would be a real winner for me.
OMG fabulous Brian! This rocks
we’re currently away from home and while for the last week I complained during the evenings I hate the slow internet connection I loved that during the day I was completely out of reach. It just feels good to laugh with the ones you love.
And the ice-cream, I’ll take two big scoops
Gorgeous pictures! I totally want to try ice cream with coconut milk, I bet it tastes incredible!
I totally agree with you! I need to learn that it’s okay if I don’t answer an email back asap or get back to a client the second I see I missed their call! I’m going camping at the end of the month with ZERO cell service….actually kind of excited
This ice cream looks all kinds of incredible. I want!
I think I’ve had my fair share of ice cream these past few weeks but I’m pulling out the ice cream maker for this one! Nothing quite like the combination of chocolate and cherries.
It looks great
Andreja
I can totally relate to this post. The guilt feeling would usually creep up, but if I need the break I take it because I need it and family always comes first.
Beautiful and delicious combo of flavors here, Brian
I love this recipe! Bookmarking it! Thanks for that Brian!
And good on you! Make that change, you’ll be better for it. I had that epiphanic moment last year. A year on, I don’t work in the weekends, tweet only if I have to and usually head straight out with the boys come rain or shine. It is truly liberating living the life you should be instead of what the media tries to make you live
I just recently went through this myself. I turned off the computer, logged out of Skype, and had my sister in law change the passwords to things like my stats and FB so I’d have to be accountable before browsing. The first two weeks were tough but I’m so thankful I did it. It trained me to have my moments and helped me see what could wait. It was amazing at how much more communicating I was doing with my husband and kids. You really put this into words so very well! And I hope you savor those moments…you really do have a beautiful life. Your photos say so much!
It’s so hard to find that balance, isn’t it? We all make excuses and find other things other than us that take precedence. I hope you find your self unplugging more and enjoying the beautiful life you have!
PS – @Sweetsugarbelle That is brilliant!!
This is a lovely post, Brian… I’ve been trying to be a bit less connected lately, as well. It has been somewhat forced on me with everything that’s going on, but it’s nice to just be in the moment and not be tied to my laptop/iPad/phone/etc. all the time. Anyway, I think you worded it perfectly. And, that ice cream looks amazing… I need to go get some coconut milk.
This is maybe the fourth or fifth ice cream/milkshake post that has me drooling today. Something about this hot, hot summer I’m sure. Coconut milk seems like it would be a nice change of pace.
I love love the recipe.
[...] before, but I think Eric and I have done our best to make the most of it. We got our hands on bags of cherries, husked countless ears of corn, sliced up peaches and devoured bowls of berries. Summertime [...]
OMG, this looks delicious! I’ve ditched real milk in favor of coconut milk lately, it’s so much better. Can’t wait to try…
All so healthy! Coconut milk does add flavor and creaminess to ice cream!