Homemade Ice Cream from 101 Gourmet Ice Cream Creations (and a Giveaway)

July is National Ice Cream Month!  This is a rambling review and recipe post that has been a long-time coming.  I'm weird that way. I like to really use a book a lot before I review it and to be honest with y'all in every way.   About a year ago I purchased the book, 101 Gourmet Ice Cream Creations Here from Amazon. At the time it was one of the new books from my darling, adorable friend and fellow cookbook author, Wendy Paul ( 101GourmetSeries). She's written quite a few amazing cookbooks and every one I have purchases I have loved.  Plus. I just love ice cream (for all the right reasons).

 I can admit that initially buying an ice cream book seemed strange for a pastry chef, but this was, at the time, an area that I felt like I could improve my skills.  I, for some reason, found ice cream making to be intimidating.   Say no more.  I bet there are a few out there who would totally agree with me.  It seemed cheaper to me to just buy pre-made ice cream and then...I got the book.  Boom! Wendy made me a pro. Well...the book made it simple anyway.

A few weeks ago, Wendy sent me a copy of her book that I could give away here on the blog. {Eeeeek!!! Soooo Awesome!!}   Mind you, the first copy I had didn't have this awesome autograph in it...

So that means I'm keeping this one. Sorry dudes. I can't fly to Utah this week and get her to sign another and I just can't part with the autographed copy...It is toooo pretty. Can I admit that I squealed like a little girl and ran into show my kids that Wendy signed it? Can I also admit that they looked at me like I was a freakin' loon?    

 I don't care. Loonie moms unite! 

Wendy touched my copy of the book. 

Neeener Neeeeener. 

Okay. Now I'm just being mean. 

Here the deal. I can't part with this copy. I can't. 

I can however part with 3 more copies from Amazon. 

Pay attention. I'll tell you how to win.

One thing I've really loved about Wendy's book is that it gives simple recipes in the beginning of the book called, "The Basics". Those recipes are the base for all the ice cream variations in the book so it makes it very very simple for anyone to create something awesome.  You know what I loved best? The recipe for the basic ice cream was just four ingredients. Four. Simple. Ingredients.  Nothing gourmet or hard to find. Simple. From that basic she makes things like maple bacon ice cream, roasted strawberry ice cream,  Silky fudge, mint truffle...the list goes on and on 101 times. Yup. I'm converted. 

My personal favorite and one I've made about 10 times now is the Peanut Butter Bliss on page 73.  It is the basic recipe plus a bunch of peanut butter and peanut butter cups. I'd share the recipe but you really should buy the book.   {Or you can win it here...I'll tell you how.}

Wendy did say I could share couple other recipes and I think you'll agree, once you try them that you've found pure ice-cream heaven.  I know I have.  Keep reading. I promise we'll talk about the giveaway...

Recipes from:

 101 Gourmet Ice Cream Creations for Every Craving

 by Wendy Paul ( Here from Amazon) Shared by permission.

Creamy Vanilla
"This recipe contains less fat than Rich and Creamy Vanilla, and does not have any eggs in it. Perfect for specific dietary needs, but still has the heavy creamy texture you desire.

½ to ¾ cup sugar
2 cups cream
1 cup 2% milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Whisk together all ingredients until combined. Transfer your cream liquid into your ice cream machine and make according to manufacturers directions." 
Key Lime Pie

Wendy Said, "Yes, of course I had to include key lime in this recipe book. It wouldn't be complete without it. It’s a keeper!"

1 Basic recipe
2 limes zested and juiced or Nellie and Joe's Key Lime juice
½ cup crushed graham crackers

Add the lime zest to your Basic recipe, whisking together until combined. Place mixture in your machine and follow manufacturers directions in freezing. The last 5 minutes of the freezing process, add the lime juice and the crushed graham crackers.
Wendy Paul can be found here: Instagram  reasonstobake or Facebook 101GourmetSeries

 Amazon book purchases of  101 Gourmet Ice Cream Creations are Here.

Okay. So here's the deal on the giveaway.  I'm giving away 3 copies, One copy to three different people.  Shipped from Amazon.  If you want to participate here's what you need to know.

Must be 18 years or older.

 Must have a non-PO box mailing address (US residents only).

 No purchase necessary to win.  

Winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday July 21st.  

To enter:

Leave a comment below telling me your favorite flavor of ice cream. PLUS Send an e-mail to chef-tess@hotmail.com Telling me your name and  "I love Ice Cream!" to enter. That's the only way I can contact you darlings. I'm not collecting or selling e-mail addresses. 

That simple. 

Winners will be chosen and contacted Monday July 21st by midnight.  

 There you go darlings!  Ice cream is coming your way!! I hope you win a copy of this book. I for one know I can't live without it in my kitchen collection. It is perfection! 

Always My Very Best,

Your Friend Chef Tess