Freezy Fruit Yums

This fruity desert-snack is incredibly thick and creamy, deliciously refreshing, and packed with flavor. My children devour it like it's ice cream, and it's surprisingly simple to make. It only requires a few minutes, 2 ingredients, and a high speed blender. I use the Blendtec Twister Jar. Warning: You will be asked to make this often—especially on hot days. :-)

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen fruit
1/4 - 1/3 cup water

* Any combination of frozen fruit will work for this recipe, but my favorite mix is equal amounts of berries (generally strawberries and blueberries) and pineapple chunks. It's tart but oh so yummy!

Directions:

1) Add fruit to the blender. Add as little water as necessary to allow the blender to function.

2) Cover and blend on ice cream setting until smooth and creamy.

3) Enjoy!

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.