Cherry Ice Cream

We are big fans of our cherry chomper.

He is cute and easy to use - the kids love him. He is often in demand by a couple of people at once, which of course results in fighting - my kids are professional petty squabblers.  When OXO offered to send me one of their cherry pitters I jumped at the chance. Not only because it looks super easy to use, but I  thought adding another pitter to the collection would eliminate at least once source of household fighting.


When the pitter arrived OXO was very generous and also sent along an ice cream scoop.  I saw the two items together knew immediately what to make - Cherry Chocolate ice cream.

I only had one helper around, so the two of us got to work pitting the cherries.  Maggie wanted to try the new pitter, it was a little big for her hands so kept switching between the two.

 I found it super easy to use and we went through the two pounds of cherries very quickly.

I used about two cups of cherries for the ice cream. Half a cup was chopped up and thrown into the freezer. the remaining cup and a half was added to some cream, cooked until soft,

then pureed into a beautiful pink cream.  The cream was chilled for a bit and then put into the ice cream machine.  

Just as it was finished mixing the remaining half cup of chopped and frozen cherries was added to the ice cream, along with chunks of chocolate. The result was a wonderfully creamy chunky ice cream perfect for a hot summer day.  

Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream


1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
2 cups sweet cherries, pitted
1/2 cup roughly chopped, bittersweet chocolate

In saucepan combine heavy cream, sugar and 1 1/2 cups cherries.  Over medium high heat bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cherries are soft.  Let mixture cool slightly, pour into blender and puree.  Pour into bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, can be left overnight.

While mixture is cooling roughly chop remaining 1/2 cup of cherries, place in freezer along with chocolate chunks.  Once mixture has cooled place into ice machine, mix following manufactures instructions.  Just before ice cream is done mixing add frozen cherries and chocolate.  Mix until combined.  




In case you were wondering it doesn't appear as if adding another pitter will eliminate any fights, it just adds to the things to fight over. Now they fight over who uses which pitter.

Fruit Smoothie Popsicle

Like many, we have been on a huge Popsicle kick this summer.

They are super easy to make and a wonderful way to use all the fresh fruit that is available this time of year.  

We make two three batches a week and have yet to repeat a flavor combination.  Our favorite combination so far has been mango blueberry banana.

Our basic recipe is to just blend some fruit together with a little juice. Sometimes we add yogurt.  We have layered the flavors trying to make a pretty Popsicle, but the longer wait time has caused some frustration and grumpiness, so we usually just mix it all together.


Primarily we have been making them in our Popsicle mold.  It's nothing fancy, I have been debating getting one of the super fancy shaped ones - making bomb pops would be so much fun - but there is something very satisfying about a plain looking pop.  We also like using little paper cups.  Great for making larger batches and they have an old school feel.    

The best thing about homemade Popsicle is they make a fabulous breakfast treat.  My kids feel like they are being super sneaky and getting away with something when I say yes to a Popsicle for breakfast and I am happy they are starting the day filled up with lots of fruit.

Fruit Smoothie Popsicle


1 mango
1 cup blueberries
2 bananas
1/2 cup orange juice

Place all ingredients in blender.  Puree until smooth.  Pour into Popsicle molds, place in freeze until frozen.
Enjoy!