Beanitos Winners!

I haven't forgot about this blog. The husband is getting ready to leave on his 7 month vacation so we are trying to get some things done and spend a ridiculous amount of time together (so we are sick of each other when he leaves ).

Here are the Beanitos winners!

Ladies please just email me your address and what flavor you'd like at
kristen@changeofpaceforme.com

Kristina
July 6, 2010 10:48 AM I would love either flavor - I'll say pinto + flax because it sounds delicious + interesting :)

*Whitney*
June 30, 2010 6:25 AM I "like" Beanitos on FB.

Annie
July 1, 2010 2:44 PM Black bean! After all, they are the magical fruit.

Lisa (I'm an Okie)
June 29, 2010 11:40 AM following them on twitter!

Mocha Latte Ice Cream

Since the squirrel was born early, my doctor told me the only thing I could do in the form of exercise (for this pregnancy) is walk.

Let's just say I've surpassed the normal boredom level on the treadmill. If the squirrel wasn't going to preschool in a few months I'd skip the gym all together. I've been going so she can get more social interaction at the gym kid-care.

Let's just say when you have to walk on the treadmill at 3.0 and no incline you read A LOT of magazines. I've never been the type of person to read while exercising. Normally, I'm too out of breath or can't read the words anyways.

My latest magazine was Southern Living. And that is where this recipe came from.

You start by cooking salt, cornstarch, sugar, instant espresso, milk, heavy cream, and an egg yolk.

I tried an ice cream recipe the other day that had you cook everything on the stove and it was terrible. Normally, we use a recipe that doesn't call for cooking.

I was hesitant to try this one but am so glad I did!

After everything cools you add it to your ice cream maker.

We have the old school version where you add ice and salt. I'm investing in a new fancy one only because of this recipe.

I made a couple changes to the recipe and ended up with a lighter version and 2 different flavors. Coffee chip and salted coffee ice cream.


Coffee chip


Salted Coffee


Here was the kicker. It always is. Lighter versions of ice cream NEVER freeze well for me. They get all crystally (that a word?) and frosty.

I think the key was to leave some of the fat. Hey it's ice cream. It's not supposed to be fat free! Plus I used good freezer containers.


It ended up freezing beautifully! Still smooth and creamy.

I can't wait to try different variations of this recipe! This was the best ice cream recipe I've ever made! They have quite a few ice cream recipes in the July issue I read. Coconut cream pie, vanilla bean, and banana pudding.

So here's the recipe.

You know, I'm not sure how copy rights work so I won't post it on here. I mean technically since I made adjustments and changed the name it's not really Southern Livings recipe anymore right?

Here were my adjustments:

I kept the heavy cream (the fat) but used 2 cups of skim milk instead of whole milk.

I didn't have espresso powder so I added a heaping tablespoon of instant coffee powder.

I used pure vanilla extract instead of the vanilla paste.

When it was done in the ice cream maker I divided it in half and added chocolate chips to one and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt to the other.

Let me know if you try it or another variation!

HEY HEY! Don't forget to enter the Beanitos giveaway!

Kristen's Pig Puddin'

Let me first start by saying this recipe is the complete opposite of healthy and natural. This blog isn't meant to lecture anyone about healthy living or is it meant to give you the false impression that all I eat is natural, organic foods.

I started this blog to help myself find balance in my life. My entire life. Not just the food. At that point in my life everything was out of control. My emotions, my marriage, my relationship with the squirrel, and my eating. Since starting it I feel like I've finally found that balance. Especially in what I eat.

Enough with the serious stuff. I guess I just need to explain that not everything on this blog is about healthy living. It's about enjoying the junk food too. Just in moderation.

This is by far my favorite dessert. I figured I'd share it with you just in time for the July 4th festivities.

It was inspired by Billy Bob's Beach Barbeque in Pensacola, FL. I really just tried to recreate their pig puddin' recipe. I'm not sure if it's even close to the real recipe but it tastes exactly like it!

You start with an 8x8x2 pecan pie. I just bought one already made in the bakery section at the grocery store.




Then I use my KitchenAid mixer and crush it up.


I leave some chunks of pie crust in there.


I stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Then I gently fold in 1 cup of coolwhip.


I throw it back in the fridge and serve it super cold with more chocolate chips and a dash of cinnamon.


Kristen's version of Pig Puddin'. I promise you'll love it!


Whole recipe:

Grocery List

1 8 inch pecan pie
1 cup cool whip (defrosted)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Crush entire pecan pie into bite-sized pieces. Mix in chocolate chips, and cinnamon. Fold in cool whip using a rubber spatula very gently. Refridgerate until ready to serve.

Leave me a comment if you try it and if you make any adjustments!

Happy 4th y'all!

HEY HEY! Don't forget to enter the Beanitos giveaway!