homemade ice cream on the beach

July 7, 2015

Did you enjoy your weekend? Mine was the best! So many of my family members were together and the fireworks were the best I’ve seen…all in all; a great holiday!

Today, I am trying to catch up with work and with household chores, but I am taking some time to share a recipe for the ice cream I made over the weekend.

Going into the weekend, I was having some trouble deciding what flavor ice cream to make. I thought I would try making s’mores flavor. It seemed like a challenge. Maybe roast some marshmallows first and add marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate chips. I still need to give that a try at some point!

What I decided on for the Fourth of July was a ‘Ferris Acres inspired’ coconut chocolate chunk. You may remember Ferris Acres from this post (click here). I am not sure if it was the flavor or the work that went into the cranking that made it so good, but I thought it came out perfect! (I do need to give some credit to my daughter’s boyfriend – I had some helpers, but he did the lion’s share of the cranking!)

Coconut Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Recipe (makes 5 quarts)
5 cups of milk (*see note below)
1 14 oz. can coconut milk, unsweetened
4 eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups sugar
4 cups whipping cream
¼ teaspoon salt
1 14 oz. bag sweetened, flaked coconut, roughly chopped
3 1.5 ounce bars Ghirardelli Intense Dark Evening Dream 60% cacao bars, roughly chopped

*I substituted some of the 5 cups of milk with the coconut milk. I used the can of coconut milk first and then added enough milk to make 5 cups of liquid.

Beat eggs until foamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until thickened. Add cream, vanilla, and salt and mix thoroughly. Pour into ice cream maker canister. Add milk and stir well. (If your maker has a fill line, do not go over it.)

Put covered canister into fridge, as well as the prepared coconut and chocolate, until really cold.

Prepare in your ice cream maker. I use a hand crank using ice and pour salt over the ice. I used two bags of ice for this batch.

After the ice cream is done, stir in the cold chocolate and coconut and set the canister in the freezer overnight to set.

Eat plenty and often. ;)

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing with Sand & Sisal, Elizabeth & Co., and Coastal Charm.

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july book giveaway!

June 30, 2015

Talk about pleasure in simple things – what could be better than a juicy, vine-ripened heirloom tomato? Colorful, tangy, juicy, and sweet, heirloom tomatoes are the essence of summer! This month’s giveaway book selection pays tribute to this wonderful summer staple! The title of the selection is The Heirloom Tomato Cookbook by Mimi Luebbermann with luscious photographs by Dan Mills and Robert Holmes.

From soups and salads to main courses and desserts, heirloom tomatoes are as versatile as they are colorful, with dozens of different flavors, sizes, and colors to explore. This wonderful book includes recipes, gardening tips, wine pairings, and tomato lore.

Cooking and gardening expert Mimi Luebbermann has created a wonderful resource for cooks and gardeners alike! Leave a comment on this month’s giveaway post to be entered to win this marvelous book! Good luck!

Thanks to everyone for your interest in the June giveaway Vibrant Food by Kimberley Hasselbrink. Click here to see more about this book. The winner of this June giveaway is Kara from Arizona! Congrats!

Instagram lovers, read on! In keeping with this month’s giveaway title, our Instagram challenge for July is to tag tomato photos this month! Use #pleasuregram to share the best captures of this wonderful summer food! Thanks so much for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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jaws 40th anniversary party with printable

June 12, 2015

Duh-duh, Duh-Duh, Duh-DUH! (Click here for more!) That’s right…40 years since the movie Jaws hit the theaters for the very first time! No doubt, the movie needs to be watched (for the five hundred and thirty ninth time?) on June 20th to mark this very special day!

My family is one of shark fanatics…we anxiously await Shark Week on Discovery Channel each year…we have had the pleasure of eating a dinner of freshly caught shark (by my fisherman dad), AND, we know most of the significant (as well as the not so significant) lines in the movie Jaws by heart! So, in honor of the Jaws anniversary, Friday field trip will go back 40 years this week to pay tribute to this cinema classic.

Granted, many of us in New England have had issues with going in the water since watching this movie – particularly after the very first viewing.

A 40th anniversary viewing party is in order and there will be plenty of themed snacks and fun trivia contests! Some of my family members are impossible to stump, but I keep trying! Why not send your party invite on a beach ball? Blow up a small beach ball and add the party details with a permanent marker. Then, deflate the ball before mailing…fun!

And, who could resist these fun ice cube trays!

So, amidst all the decorating you may do for your viewing party, a little candy treat favor is fun to add to to the mix. For my candy bags, I have packaged up blue gummy sharks and candy beach balls. There are so many candy options you can use if you prefer to substitute what I chose to use. You can even do Swedish fish or goldfish crackers –really, any beachy item will work!

I piled mine up in a beach bucket and added it to my Jaws themed décor. The printable I have included here is sized for 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper – I prefer the weighty paper of a card stock, but you can use regular weight paper if you prefer. Four treat bag headers print out on each page. After cutting the paper in four, you can fold each piece to use as a header for a Jaws themed treat bag! Purchase cellophane bags that are the same width as the headers and trim to the length needed based on your contents. I use a couple of staples to attach the headers – first using a blue permanent marker on the staples so they coordinate a little better with the blue on my header design.

Click here for a free printable of the treat bag toppers.

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” Happy Viewing!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. If you’d like me to send you a copy of my Jaws trivia contest, just shoot me an email and I will email it to you!

Sharing with House of Hipsters, Thoughts from Alice, The Shabby Nest, Craftberry Bush, and Crafts a la Mode.

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country living magazine fair 2015

June 9, 2015

I am so lucky. I get the chance to attend the best fair ever! The Country Living Magazine Fair is held in four spots across the U.S. each year and one of the locations is the Northeast!

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds are located in Rhinebeck, New York and each year, for three days in the beginning of June, it is host to the Country Living Magazine Fair.

The Rhinebeck countryside pleasure in simple things blog

Driving through the Rhinebeck, NY countryside.

This venue is amazing. Think lush, green grass and beautiful landscaping – with views of rolling hills. Think real, (not portable) nicely maintained restrooms. Think great food. (maybe a delicious chicken lemongrass salad for lunch?) Think free parking. Yes, it is amazing.

The Fair provides tons of great inspiration and shopping, seminars and demonstrations, and a chance to meet the magazine’s editors as well as some fun celebrities.

So, as I attempt to settle down from my busy weekend exploring the Country Living Fair and the community of Rhinebeck with friends, I am sharing some of my weekend inspiration with you.

I hope you enjoy these few photos from my weekend. You can also find some additional photos on Facebook by clicking here or on Instagram by clicking here.

vintage bride and groom pleasure in simple things blog

A vintage collection of wedding toppers caught my eye in a little shop in the center of Rhinebeck.

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing with Thoughts From Alice, and Finding Silver Pennies.

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shaved brussels sprouts salad recipe

June 5, 2015

Do you like Brussels sprouts? It is a strange thing with this particular vegetable – I don’t enjoy eating whole Brussels sprouts, but I can enjoy eating them when they have been shaved or shredded. So, when I see a recipe that includes a shaved or shredded Brussels sprout, I put it in my ‘give it a try’ file since I know veggies are super good for me!

Many times I will try a recipe from my file and it doesn’t pass the taste test; granting it acceptance into my permanent recipe file and making it part of my regular repertoire.

Today, for Friday field trip, I am taking you into my kitchen and sharing a recipe that made it into the permanent file – big time! It is a cold salad using Brussels sprouts that is not only quick, easy, and delicious, but requires no cooking! It has a marvelous crunch factor that makes it very satisfying and reminiscent of a slaw. With picnic season in full swing, this salad is the perfect easy- to- prepare side dish to bring to an outdoor party!

I like to make a double batch of this recipe each time I make it. For me, this is easy to do on the ingredient end because my grocery store sells a 2 lb. bag of Brussels sprouts and an 8 oz. size of Manchego. I really have no trouble getting through a double batch pretty quickly…it is great to pack up to enjoy at lunchtime!

I have to warn you that Manchego cheese is one of the more pricy cheeses, but it is so worth buying for this recipe – a perfect taste pairing with the Brussels sprouts and almonds!

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced (I shred them in the food processor)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
4 oz. Manchego, shaved (this too, I shred in the food processor)
1/3 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted in a 350 degree oven and coarsely chopped.

Toss the Brussels sprouts, oil, vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Let sit 8 to 10 minutes to let the Brussels sprouts wilt slightly. Add the Manchego and almonds and toss to combine.

*this recipe is adapted from one in one of my favorite magazines – Real Simple.

That is it! Quick and easy! Enjoy!

If you should find yourself with some Manchego left over, be sure to try this Crostini recipe!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing with House of Hipsters, Coastal Charm and Sand & Sisal.

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june book giveaway!

May 29, 2015

For June, the giveaway book selection is Vibrant Food by Kimberley Hasselbrink. This book celebrates the ingredients, recipes, and colors of each season. I really love when recipe books are organized by season, because it encourages healthful eating and is so compatible with healthy shopping! What better way is there to shop at this time of year than to visit farmer’s markets for in season ingredients that are fresh and grown local?

The author invites you to look at ingredients differently – to let the colors inspire! This book can help you think about produce in terms of color and can reinvigorate your relationship with food. In this collection of recipes, Hasselbrink employs aesthetics, flavor, and texture to build gorgeous yet unfussy dishes for every season.

Leave a comment for a chance to win this wonderful selection! I know the winner of this book will enjoy jumping right into ‘the bold colors of summer’ section to create some wonderful summer dishes!

Now, to announce the winner of last month’s giveaway selection. Daria was chosen at random from the comments left during May and will receive a copy of the book Secret Garden by Johanna Basford. And, I have added a box of brightly colored pencils to the giveaway! Congratulations Daria and happy doodling! Thanks to everyone that left a comment. :)

In honor of the June book selection, the Instagram challenge for June is to share photos of your own vibrant food! Use hashtag #pleasuregram to post photos of brightly colored in season ingredients throughout the month of June.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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pink, white & gold baby shower

May 26, 2015

I promised to give a few decorating ideas for a pink, white, and gold baby shower. You know I love a theme – so, I took pink, white, and gold; added a few polka dots and created some fun ways to decorate!

Finding a pink beverage is certainly not a problem. There are plenty of options including pink lemonade, rose, sangria, or punch. Some easy favors? No problem!

The votives shown here are really easy to create – adding a candle is a nice touch.

A small plant (these are English daisies) wrapped in a coordinating tissue paper, square of fabric, or burlap is also a nice option, or…

A theme colored candy in a cute container. :)

For my shower, I made state shaped sugar cookies (and gift tag), because I was recognizing the hometowns of the families of the soon-to-be parents. Change it up to suit your own shower. Take your cues from the way the nursery is decorated or from the registry. For instance, if the nursery is decorated with a jungle theme, make animal shaped cookies. If the registry shows a crib sheet in a heart motif, make heart shaped cookies, etc.

Of course, the gift has to also be right on theme! I chose a baby outfit and wrapping to coordinate with the theme and also made a gift. I painted a personalized canvas for the baby’s room. You can get the DIY by clicking here.

If you don’t know the baby’s name in advance, leave the heart blank to add later, or paint in the word ‘love.’

I hope I have jumpstarted ideas for your own pink, white, and gold shower!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing with Crafts a la Mode, House of Hipsters, Nancherrow, The Shabby Nest, and Craftberry Bush.

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3 ingredient lemon mousse shooters

May 19, 2015

Dessert shooters are always fun– a nice little bit of sweetness without the heaviness of a traditional sized dessert.

This three ingredient shooter is super easy to create. Great for a party, these lemon mousse shooters can be made ahead, and if you use little disposable decorative cups, are clean-up free!

The lemon flavor for these shooters comes from lemon curd. I love lemon curd and very often use it in tarts – it packs so much flavor. For today’s dessert, I used store bought lemon curd (a 10 oz. jar is approximately 2/3 cup) and lightened it up by folding it into some whipped cream. With this mousse mixture and some gingersnap cookie crumbs, the shooter is complete!

Raspberries, mint, or lemon slice candies make great garnishes, but if you want to stay strict to three ingredients, top the shooter off with a piece of gingersnap cookie instead.

The hard store bought gingersnaps work best to make crumbs. If you are not a gingersnap fan, you can easily change the gingersnap crumbs for some shortbread cookie crumbs.

I hope you enjoy these little lemon mousse shooters!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. The napkins and the mini baking cups I used here are from Home Goods.

Sharing at Craftberry Bush, Thoughts From Alice, House of Hipsters, Nancherrow, and Sand & Sisal.

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state shaped sugar cookies

May 12, 2015

Remember when I made the state gift tag for a baby shower I was attending? I was attending a party in Connecticut for a baby being born in Florida. I really wanted to acknowledge both states in my gift and I came up with the idea of using both shapes as a gift tag. (See the gift tag by clicking here.) As the date of the shower got closer, I thought “Wouldn’t it be cool to make cookies in the shape of the two states to add to the dessert table?”

I had visions of spending many hours cutting each state cookie out by hand – since once I have an idea like this; I have no choice but to follow through on it! No question, I have cut out many unusual shaped cookies in my day – particularly for children’s birthday parties. In the past, I have made cookies of each one of the Wizard of Oz characters and all the Ninja turtles – cutting out each shape carefully with a dull knife.

With visions of cutting tons of Florida and Connecticut shaped cookies using a knife, I wondered if there might be state cookie cutters available. Sure enough, I searched the Internet and quickly found, not only could I order a cookie cutter for any state, but I could get them pretty darn cheap! What a time saver!

So, I made my sugar cookie dough, rolled it out, and cut out the shapes of the two states using my new cookie cutters. What an awesome way to acknowledge the two states!

Are the wheels turning? Are you thinking of all the ways you could use state cookie cutters? Showers, rehearsal dinners, reunions, graduations – even Christmas tree ornaments! So fun!

I decorated my state cookies to match the colors of the baby’s nursery – pink, gold, and white. (Did you see the shower gift I made? Click here to see. )

After the shower, when the baby gifts got packed up to be sent to Florida, the Florida cookie cutter was tucked into the box. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing with Crafts a la Mode, The Shabby Nest, and House of Hipsters.

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fresh fruit topiary diy

May 5, 2015

Why not pass on the flowers this Mother’s Day and instead, make your mom an edible arrangement as a gift?

Healthier than a box of chocolates, a fruit topiary is a tasty way to show Mom you care. And, when you create it yourself, you can be sure to include all mom’s favorite fruits and treats!

I started with a 4” high pot – the perfect single serving size! Choose a container in a color to coordinate with mom’s kitchen so she is sure to reuse it! To prepare the container for the arrangement, fit some Styrofoam into the container and covered it with some salad greens.

I will show you what I used to make mine to give you an idea of what you need to get started on your own creation!

My supplies:
– 4” pot, 4” high
– 4 oz. bag Lancaster soft caramels (I had a few left for tasting)
– 3” (approximately) square Styrofoam, trimmed appropriately
– Salad greens
– Assorted fruit
– Skewers (if you only get one size, purchase long ones – they can always be trimmed)
– Ribbon (optional – a bow can be added by attaching to a skewer)

My skewers:
3, 8” skewers of cantaloupe slices
2, 8” skewers of grapes (4 grapes)
3, 6” skewers of grapes (4 grapes)
4, 6” skewers of strawberries
9, 6” skewers of chocolate dipped strawberries
15 caramels on toothpicks

Tips for assembly:
– Don’t use really fresh fruit – you want firm fruit so it will hold up.
– For the same reason, only use sturdy fruit. (I learned this lesson pretty quick when I tried to use raspberries – they are too soft.)

– Use Styrofoam in your pot, not floral foam.
– Cater to your recipient – use edible items that will appeal to the recipient. Instead of caramels, you may decide to use baby rounds of cheese, cookies, dried apricots, etc.
– Use decorative cutters – you can use cookie cutters to cut hearts, melon ballers, etc. to ‘fancy up’ the fruit.
– Don’t put it together too far ahead. You can wash and dry the fruit, dip the strawberries, and cut the fruit ahead – but wait to assemble your creation until the last minute.
– Lay salad greens over the Styrofoam before you start assembly and use some after assembly to fill in any holes or skewer parts that may show.

Lastly, have fun with it!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Craftberry Bush, Thoughts from Alice, Sand & Sisal, and Coastal Charm.

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homemade ice cream on the beach

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jaws 40th anniversary party with printable

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shaved brussels sprouts salad recipe

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pink, white & gold baby shower

3 ingredient lemon mousse shooters

state shaped sugar cookies

fresh fruit topiary diy