Cake batter ice cream

I like cake batter. I like ice cream. I don't eat it much, but. Yum. Decided I was going to try my own homemade version and see how it turned out. Worked pretty well. I have an ice cream maker. I know there are other ways to freeze ice cream even if you don't have an ice cream maker so if you don't have one you could tweak this recipe. I don't like making ice cream with full fat milk or heavy cream so I usually use 1 or 2% milk and half and half. That sometimes leads to a less-creamy ice cream but this one came out surprisingly soft and creamy.

1 C of 2% or 1% milk
2 C of half and half (or heavy cream if you desire)
3/4 cup sugar
about 1 1/4 t of vanilla...to taste
1 package of powdered cake mix. I used Duncan Hines "butter recipe golden". You could use whatever you want I suppose!

Whisk the sugar and milk together until the sugar has dissolved in the milk. Then add the half and half and the vanilla, whisk in. Add the cake mix and whisk until lumps are gone. Pour into your ice cream maker and freeze per manufacturers directions.

I will say that this recipe never got really "frozen" in my ice cream maker. It thickened to slightly softer than the consistency of soft ice cream (and SOOOOOOOO creamy). We put it in containers in the freezer and it's a very pleasant consistency.

It's pretty sweet though I don't mind it but if you find you don't like it you might want to try lessening the amount of cake mix, maybe?

Being someone who loves cake batter (ahhh!)...this is a legal way to have it...heh. No raw eggs.

Fruit Salad, Fancified

1 diced Mediterranean papaya
2 peaches, diced
1 bartlet pear, diced
1 pint raspberries
honey
4 tbs lime juice
1 lemon, juiced

(I would have added banana and mango if Rachel had any, alas she did NOT even though mangoes were 5 for 5 at Meijer.)

Dice and toss fruit. Drizzle honey over top - you know I think measurement is a betrayal of my skill, but if I had to guess I would say 1/4 c - and add lemon and lime juice. Mix well. Chill.

Absolutely Foolproof Ten Minute Fudge

And when I say "fool" I mean, "me." I have had some fudge disasters, but even I can handle this one without the stove exploding or the cat spontaneously combusting. And? It's gooood. Very bittersweet and dark.

2/3 c sweetened condensed milk
8 oz semisweet baker's chocolate
3/4 tsp vanilla
chopped nuts

Preperation: greased foil lined loaf pan

1. In a medium bowl, combine condensed milk and chocolate. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir until smooth. If chunks of chocolate persist, microwave for an additional 10-20 seconds.
2. Stir in nuts (I used macadamias) and vanilla. Transfer to prepared pan.
3. Refridgerate for one hour or until firm. Cut into squares.

Ben & Jerry's cake

This cake is so easy to make, and it's fun! You can use any combination of cake mix flavor and ice cream flavor...get creative! It's very moist and yummy.

1 package cake mix, flavor of your choice
1 pint of Ben & Jerry's or similar premium ice cream, your choice of flavor, MELTED.
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Mist a 12-in Bundt pan w/Pam or the like and flour pan. Blend all ingredients in a mixer on low speed for 1 minuted then medium for 2 minutes more. The batter should look thick and well-blended. Pour batter into pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 38-42 mins, until the top springs back when touched and the sides just begin to pull away from the pan. Cool on wire rack for 20 mins, then remove from pan.

You can dust powdered sugar over the top of this cake, or drizzle with the frosting of your choice.

Jen's mom's chocolate chip cookies

This recipe comes from my childhood best friend's mother. We made them all the time. I've kept the recipe since I was little. My mom uses it and I do too. I have the recipe memorized. Carlos loves these cookies and if I ever try a different chocolate chip cookie recipe he calls me on it! I hardly ever share this recipe.

1 C shortening (do NOT use butter or margarine)
3 eggs
2 t vanilla
1 C white sugar
1 C firmly packed brown sugar
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
2 C white flour
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1 C chopped walnuts, if desired

Preaheat oven to 375. Cream shortening, eggs, sugar and vanilla in mixer until nearly white. (VERY IMPORTANT!!!) Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on very low speed until blended then mix 1 minute on medium. Mix in chocolate chips and walnuts if desired. Drop in rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake ~ 10 mins or until cookies are golden brown.