Ice Cream for Supper

You wouldn't know it, but my husband is a big mush pot. 

Last year, at this time, a child that he knew suddenly passed away.  And in that moment, he went into his calendar and set a repeat event: Ice Cream for Supper.

I didn't think of it until he told me the other day that Thursday night was his night to make supper.  And later on he came home with ice cream and whipped cream.  He filled me in and told me not to tell the boys.  

Tonight, after he came home, he made ice cream sundaes for supper.  The boys of course thought it was the best night ever, and Mudge even ate most of his supper without fuss.

But ice cream for supper was not for nothing.  It is something he created to remind us to let the kids be kids, hold them tighter, and smile a little more often since you never know what may happen.  

We both know too many little ones who are no longer here, and we are thankful everyday we have our boys, as crazy as they make life sometimes.   I don't always remember to do what Brad Paisley says, "Live for the little moments".  So on days like these, I am thankful my husband does.

A-Maze-Ing Perspectives at Fort Hill Farms

How someone can design a corn maze and make it with a weed whacker and a GPS is beyond me.  But Kristin Orr owner of Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut did just that.

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Kristin, you may be in awe of her positive energy.  She has a way with words, literally.  She goes around forming zen quotes about peace throughout the farm.  Today, she showed me "A-maze-in-grace", formed in rocks.  She not only shared with me her passion for words, but I could just tell about her passion for farming and agriculture as well.  She and her family have owned Fort Hill Farms for over 20 years.  The ice cream business, just for the past two.  The namesake to this year's corn maze "The Farmer's Cow" is from their desire to produce and distribute the freshest dairy around.

I inadvertently learned quite a bit today when I took the boys over to the farm to complete the maze after school. I figured it might be the only nice day of the week to do it, and Fort Hill is open daily, weather permitting.  Did you know there is difference between a maze and a labyrinth?  There is.  And you can find it out at Fort Hill Farm's Corn Maze.  For $7 per person, you can do the Milk Carton Labyrinth to find your fortune.  By locating the five flavors throughout the condensed labyrinth, placing a different chalk color on each finger, you can learn your destiny.

 It was actually oddly eerie that Boog's fortune was that he "Walks the Straight and Narrow."  Um, yes in fact, he does.  Mudge's fortune was that he "Aspires greatness."  And I, of course, "spend my time wisely."  Kinda funny.   Not surprisingly Kristin created the fortunes.  It took us about a half hour to complete the path and find our fortunes.  Then, of course, we had ice cream.  Muddy Boots.  Mint Chip. Nutter Butter Chocolate something.  All I remember is that it was delicious.

Though we didn't have a chance today to complete the formal Maze, we will hopefully go back before it closes in November.  If you happen to want some peace, tranquility and ice cream, head to Fort Hill Farms.  You just might find it there.  Or you just get lost and become fortunate.

Pinkyberry should change its name to Yummy Deliciousness

Pinkberry.  I was a virgin till today.  And once you go pink, you'll never want to have anything else.  

After getting the bug put in my ear by Jen at Savor the Thyme , I have been stewing about when I would get there.  Because Cranston is just way too far away.   And today was the day.  After returning some items, I saw the Pinkberry sign.  It called to me as if to say, you don't need to eat lunch first.  I walked through the doors to be greeted by delightful "swirlers".   They offered me tastes of each of the six soft serve fro yo flavors before making a decision.  Mango or Coconut.  I ate, pondered, ate some more, pondered some more.  I really wanted an Almond Joyish experience, but the Mango talked to me.

Then I could add toppings.  And not just any toppings, but fresh fruit, chopped daily my swirler explained, as well as shaved coconut, white chocolate chips, heath bars and others.  There were new products too, fruit gems, looking like fruity caviar.   I loved the little quick blurbs stating how many calories were in a serving of topping.

As I had never been there before, it was like a cross between a Cold Stone Creamery and a smoothie bar.  But it was so much more.  It makes you think healthy.  And I like the serving sizes.  Even though it was a little over $3 for the mini with topping (Mango fro yo, dark chocolate crisps, and Mango pearl thingys), it was a just right size.  Though I could have eaten a ton more.

Thank god Cranston is too far for me to drive on a daily basis (I know, Rhode Island mentality) because if it were in Smithfield, I would be in big trouble.  You will either thank me or curse me: Find a Pinkberry near you.

Bowling for Soup, Naaaahhhh We Bowl for Ice Cream....

The Ice Cream Ball...

It is probably one of the more fun inventions that makes ice cream worth its work.  Just fill one end with ice and salt.  The other end with your favorite things like coffee milk, chocolate milk, milk with sugar and vanilla, or even some yogurt.  Then shake, rattle and roll.  Or bowl, like we did.

 We have a couple of good hills in our yard, so I was able to give the boys a good work out running up and down the hill to create the frozen concoction of skim milk, chocolate chips, sugar and vanilla also known as chocolate chip ice cream.  They did this for 20 minutes, then I scraped the sides of the ice cream container and back to work they went bowling for ice cream for an additional 10.  Because of the low fat content of the skim milk, it tends to be a little loose.  So I throw it in the freezer for a few minutes to harden a little more.  But trust me, it tastes just as good if you don't wait.

I like the idea of an ice cream ball for a couple of reasons.  First, you know the ingredients you are putting into it so you can be as healthy, or not, as you would like.  Second, its a work out.  It is at least the weight of a 10 lb bowling ball when it is full with a mix and ice.  Third, it teaches them about the fruits of labor, science, and cooking.  And lastly, your end product is an empty bowl.  Yes I do have an electric ice cream maker, that I use to make my frozen favorites, but the ball is for the kids.

You can find them now all over the internet like Target, REI, LLBean, Amazon, and other stores usually for between $20 and $40  depending on size, 1 or 2 quart models.  Totally worth it, and lots of fun.

Fort Hill Farms, a little gem in Thompson

On the advice of a friend, we took a drive up to Thompson, CT to visit Fort Hill Farms for some ice cream, but found a lot more.  Nestled in the backwoods of northeastern Connecticut, Fort Hill Farms is quiet and clean.  The property itself has quite a history dating back to the 1600s.

There is, of course, the creamery with phenomenal ice cream made from their cows' milk.  Boog chose Mint Chip, Kyle had the Maple Walnut, I had the Nutter Peanut Butter, and Mudge had a chocolate shake.  All of which could have taken the place of dinner tonight.  You can even buy a pint of Farmer's Cow Ice Cream to go, but you would probably eat in on the way home.

Besides the creamery, you walk through a lavender and assorted wild flower gardens.  A corn maze opens in the fall when the corn grows to best hide and seek height.  And you can even pan for "gold and minerals" by purchasing a bag and then sifting through it in the water mill at the edge of the creamery.  There are animals to check out like pheasants, peacocks and the cows.  And they offer a variety of pick your own fruits when in season.  I was also highly impressed and excited to see a hay ride with wheel chair access utilizing an electric lift and clips for safe harvest rides.

So if you are looking for a new place to try some delicious ice cream and just get into some quiet scenery, away from the house, take a drive up Route 44 or 395 to Thompson to Fort Hill Farms.  I am sure, at least you could leave your children there.....