National Ice Cream Pie Day: Banana & Toffee Ice Cream Pie

August18

Yippee! Today’s National Ice Cream Pie Day!

Banana and Toffee Ice Cream Pie-Mama's High Strung

This is a serious holiday, folks, so before we move forward, here’s a little ice cream info you should have in your foodie-knowledge arsenal from the Ice Cream History website:

1. In 1851, the industrial production of ice cream began in Boston, Massachusetts.

2. The average American consumes almost 50 pints of ice cream in a year.

3. Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream, followed by chocolate and strawberry.

4. More ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day of the week.

5. It takes 12 gallons of milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream.

Now, back to the party.

I love the banana ice cream recipe in Jeni Britton Bauer’s cookbook “Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home.” I changed it a bit and added an extra banana for more flavor-wow and threw in some chopped English toffee for a bit of a crunch. You will need an ice cream maker for this recipe.

Wilton’s Mini Pie Pan is absolutely perfect for making individual pie servings. I used my favorite vodka piecrust recipe, but you can use Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Piecrust sheets to make it easier.

A lot of effort, I know. But this day only comes once a year… so give it all you’ve got!

Like this? Try this: Easy Ice Cream Peach Pie 


Plated + Served: Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce

December10

This is one holiday party appetizer you won’t feel guilty about eating… in fact, it’s actually good for you!

You can’t go wrong with quinoa, that sweet, light South American gluten-free grain that’s packed with protein. Mix it with ground turkey, add a light avocado dipping sauce, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy appetizer: Mini Quinoa and Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce.

You can also serve this on top of pasta with your favorite sauce for a great family dinner.

These little guys are so tasty that, even though they’re low in fat and calories, it’s still going to be tough to practice portion control!

Mini Quinoa Meatballs with Avocado Dipping Sauce

 

 

Plated + Served: Unbelievably Moist Mini-Pumpkin Muffins

October15

Unbelievably Moist Pumpkin Miniature Muffins

Applesauce.

That’s what makes these Unbelievably Moist Pumpkin Mini-Muffins so, well, moist.

The ginger and the pumpkin pie spice balance the sweetness of the muffins without overpowering the pumpkin flavor. So easy to make. So delicious.

Kickoff your fall baking with these cute little bites of goodness!

 

Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com