dessert Archives - Simply Happenstance

Vanilla Malted Marshmallow Ice Cream

September 6, 2016

Vanilla Malted Marshmallow Ice Cream //

I will admit it NOW…I have been in the biggest bad mood that I think I have ever been in. We were robbed of our summer by two weeks. Our school district moved back school to start earlier than last year and the year prior. I want to scream every morning that the alarm clock has buzzed for the past three weeks.

So for now I will stop whining and crying and I will relive summer for the few moments we have left with this Vanilla Malted Marshmallow Ice Cream.

Summer for our family was eventful and beautiful all at once. We visited Yosemite and Mammoth and enjoyed it in all its beauty. We lost my beloved dog Lulu and my Grandfather. It brought my little family close together as these losses were painful. We focused on fun, beach days, and s’mores at sunset.

It was a joy having my kids’ home. Life seems to be bit easier (in some ways) the older they get as we get to enjoy more of the great outdoors without worrying about racing home for nap time. So yes you can say I am a bit depressed about it. I know it will get easier, but for now I will add a scoop of this Vanilla Malted Marshmallow Ice Cream in a large glass and top with root beer or maybe adult root beer (wink).

Make this Labor Day Weekend and we guarantee it will make summer last a little bit LONGER….

An end of summer treat! Vanilla Malted Marshmallow Ice Cream

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Vanilla Malted Marshmallow Ice Cream

This simple Vanilla Ice Cream makes you want to hold onto summer. Serve on it's own or as a root beer float.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time2 hrs 35 mins

Total Time2 hrs 45 mins

Course: Dessert

Servings: 10

Author: Simply Happenstance

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup milk 2 percent or whole
3 tablespoons malt milk powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 jar of marshmallow cream
1 cup sugar I used Zulka Pure Cane Sugar

Instructions

In a small bowl whisk together the milk, malt powder, sugar, and vanilla until sugar is dissolved.
Add in the heavy whipping cream and mix together until all is incorporated.
Pour this mixture into a chilled ice cream maker bowl with the paddle attached and top on.
Turn on the machine and let the ice cream churn for approx. 20 minutes until thickened and fluffy.
Turn off the machine and spoon in the marshmallow cream into the ice cream bowl.
Turn the machine back on and let it churn for an additional 3 minutes.
Turn off the machine and place the ice cream into a freezer safe container and chill for 2 hours.

Notes

I used my Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. I keep my ice cream bowl in the freezer ALWAYS that way it's ready to use when I want to make ice cream.

Snowball Cookies

December 13, 2015

Snowball Cookies //

Cookies… they’re definitely one of my top 5 favorite treats. I love how simple they are to make, that they come in the perfect size for indulging, and that there is usually an abundance of dough… so you have plenty to share!

During the holidays, I tend to try out some new cookie recipes along with a few tried-and-true faves. At bakeries, I’m always tempted by the traditional wedding cookies. They’re called varying names depending on the culture (Italian Wedding Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Polvorones, Russian Tea Cakes, and even Snowball Cookies — to name a few), and are baked for celebrations. Typical recipes call for nuts to be added, but in this particular recipe, I opted to substitute mini (semi-sweet) chocolate chips for the nuts to make it more kid-friendly. The outcome was heavenly… the kids couldn’t have been happier!

Growing up, I always looked forward to the Christmas tin of cookies that my Aunt Jean would make for our family. She would include a mixture of sweet treats that she baked up fresh in her kitchen (sugar cookies, fudge, seven layer bars, chocolate chip cookies, and these wedding cookies). It’s a tradition that I LOVE and try to uphold each year.

These Snowball Cookies with Mini Chocolate Chips have a rich buttery taste and melt-in-your-mouth with each bite. They’re delicate and flavorful… a lovely treat to share with family and friends over the holidays, and perfect to include in those cute holiday tins!

These little cookies are great for little hands to help with, too. Preparing the simple dough, adding in the mini chocolate chips, rolling into balls, and covering in powdered sugar are fun tasks in preparing these little bites of joy!

TIPS //

Use only real butter for best cookie results! You won’t be sorry!
Wait for the cookies to cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar. This will allow them time to cool (so as not to burn your hands) and set properly so that they don’t crumble.
Before serving, you can give an additional roll in powdered sugar to make them look freshly dipped in snow (wink, wink)!
The dough is stiff enough to work with right away, or if you prefer, you can roll them into balls and freeze in an air-tight container. The raw cookies can go straight from the freezer to the oven by adding 2 to 3 minutes to the original cooking time.

I hope that you and your families truly love the “mini” addition in this traditional cookie recipe! Making half the dough with mini chocolate chips and half with nuts (chopped pecans would be my choice!) would be a delicious way to share these treats with those you love! Warmest holiday wishes to you all… and Happy Baking!!!

Print Recipe

Snowball Cookies

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time7 mins

Total Time17 mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: Dessert

Servings: 4 dozen

Author: Simply Happenstance

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips I used semi-sweet
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Mix softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until fluffy.
Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl: flour & salt. Slowly, add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar until the dough comes together. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
TIP // If the dough is too soft or sticky, chill it until you can work it easily with your hands (30 minutes or so).
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop small amounts of dough (approx. 1-2 tablespoons worth) and roll into balls using the palms of your hands. Place balls of dough on prepared cookie sheets.
Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes until bottoms are just slightly brown. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes, until you can handle them.
Fill a small bowl with sifted powdered sugar and roll each cookie in the sugar until coated. Place on a rack to cool. (Once cookies are cooled, or just before serving, you can re-roll them in more powdered sugar to look like they're freshly covered in "snow"). Enjoy!

Notes

Original Recipe Inspiration From: Crazy for Crust

Rustic Summer Fruit Pie

July 30, 2015

RUSTIC SUMMER FRUIT PIE //

Hi guys! It’s been a while! Nicole and I have both been soaking up the summer with our families! We promise to give an update soon on our summer travels and adventures… but for now, we are sharing this favorite summertime dessert over at Simple As That Blog! We hope that you’ll pop on over to Rebecca’s lovely site to sneak a peek! This Rustic Summer Fruit Pie, served with fresh vanilla ice cream is the most perfect warm weather dessert! We hope you’ll make it, and let us know what you think of the recipe! xoxo

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Treats

June 14, 2015

Happiest birthday wishes to my sweet friend and co-author, Nicole! This delicious treat comes at the perfect time to celebrate YOU and all of your grandness! I am so thankful for our friendship and look forward to all that is to come in our much adored space here on Simply! I love you, my friend!!! Thanks for all that you do! xoxo, Sara

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Treats //

Sometimes… you just need a treat. Something that is going to satisfy that CHOCOLATE craving! Am I right? I’ve found it’s far better to give into it, rather than fight the urge for that ‘little something!’ A few bites of dark chocolate always seems to do the trick (plus… it’s a superfood, filled with healthy antioxidants)! That’s why I decided to make a batch of homemade dark chocolate with roasted almonds, coconut + sea salt. It includes some of my favorite flavorful ingredients. It’s texture is smooth and creamy while each bite packs a powerfully intense dark chocolatey taste! Roasted almonds, unsweetened coconut, and a touch of sea salt add a welcomed crunch to the already fabulous chocolate bar! This chocolate dream is simple to make and is a wholesome treat that your whole family will enjoy! Although I started out making this as a ‘mama treat’… my children also have a love of the deep flavors in dark chocolate. They enjoyed helping me make this delightful creation… and begged for “just one more piece!” (I’m positive yours will too!)

INGREDIENTS //

7 ounces of your favorite (good quality) dark chocolate (I used Lindt 70% cocoa), roughly chopped
1/4 cup sliced roasted almonds*
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
1 teaspoon sea salt

*I roasted raw almonds. To do this, follow these simple directions here.

METHOD //

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Bring a medium-sized pot of water to boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
Put the chocolate in a glass or stainless steel bowl and set it over the pot of water.
Stir the chocolate until it is completed melted.
Pour immediately onto the prepared cookie sheet (spreading the chocolate out, if necessary, using a spatula).
Evenly sprinkle the melted chocolate with your toppings: almond slices, unsweetened coconut flakes and sprinkling of sea salt.*
Put the cookie sheet in the freezer to set for approximately 15 minutes.
Break the chocolate into pieces.
Eat immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

*Additional toppings you could incorporate: chopped bits of dried fruit, seeds (chia seeds/pumpkin seeds), spicy red chili flakes, and/or other chopped nuts.

(Original recipe from It’s All Good cookbook written by Gwyneth Paltrow.)

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

May 14, 2015

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream //

Howdy, friends! Nicole and I had the privilege of sharing a delicious dessert recipe on one of our very favorite blogs… Simple As That! I hope that you’ll make the jump over to Rebecca’s lovely site to take a peek!

The recipe is an all-time childhood favorite of mine, recreated for my own kids to enjoy! If you have an automatic ice cream maker, this dish is quick to make and you won’t believe the flavor combination – creamy cheesecake ice cream with a thick ribbon of crunchy graham cracker crumbs and delicious homemade blueberry sauce! It’s a keepsake recipe… for sure! I hope you enjoy it!

Chocolate Ricotta Pudding

February 10, 2015

:: Chocolate Ricotta Pudding ::

Do you have your Valentine’s Day plans all figured out? Menu all planned? If not, don’t fret! This recipe for Chocolate Ricotta Pudding With Raspberry Sauce is a magical end to a Valentine’s Day meal at home. Sara shared, in the guest post recipe of Nutella Cheesecake featured on Simple As That, her favorite Valentine’s Day plans. She like myself, tends to spend the night-in with the kids and hubby, rather than battle with the prices and the crowds. We both often don’t have the luxury of having our husbands home on holidays, so it makes like easier to make a fun meal at home. Often times it’s just our kids and us, so dessert has to be the star of the show! [Read more…]