Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

 This ice cream is deliciously satisfying, has the perfect texture and is ridiculously simple to make (if you have an ice cream maker). It tastes better than any store bought vanilla ice cream, and I have yet to find someone who doesn't love it!

Ingredients:

2 cups whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp vanilla
a pinch of salt

Directions:

1) Mix all ingredients until completely smooth.

2) Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's directions. I use a Kitchen Aid attachment.

3) Transfer to a container. One batch fits well in an 8x8 Pyrex pan. Freeze for several hours or overnight until it firms up.

4) Scoop into bowls and enjoy! :-)

*  A double batch of this ice cream fills a 9x13 Pyrex pan. Make it a couple of days ahead of time to feed a crowd. If your ice cream maker is small, make a single batch and spread it in the pan, then layer the second batch on top.

Apple Cake Recipe

This apple cake is warm and comforting with just the right amount of crunch and sweetness in every bite. The apple and cinnamon overtones in it make it reminiscent of apple pie. It tastes amazing paired with vanilla ice cream, it's extremely easy to make, and it feeds a crowd. To make it a day ahead, leave it loosely covered overnight and reheat it in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Ingredients:

Cake:

2/3 cup melted butter

1 cup honey

1/2 cup apple sauce

2 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more to swirl on top

2 cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour

4 cups cored and chopped apples

Toppings:

1 cup crushed almonds

1/4 cup melted butter

1 tsp cinnamon

1-2 tbsp coconut sugar

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 pyrex pan.

2) In a large bowl, beat the butter and honey together together with a whisk.

3) Add the apple sauce, eggs and vanilla. Beat well.

4) Add the baking soda, salt and cinnamon and mix well.

5) Add the whole wheat flour and mix until just combined.

6) Stir in the chopped apples.

7) Pour the batter into the greased pan.

8) Sprinkle crushed almonds on the surface and press down.

9) Mix the butter and and cinnamon and drizzle all over the cake.

10) Sprinkle coconut sugar all over the cake.

11) Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

* To make this recipe in an 8x8 pan, cut all the ingredients in half and reduce baking soda to 1 tsp.