The Flavor of Calm

Wilting in the Afternoon Heat


Fresh Mint Ice Cream

After enduring the first of many 100+ degree days here in the desert-I felt like we needed a simple lift of our spirits. My dust covered ice cream maker has been taking up space at the back of a cupboard for a VERY long time. Why I haven't pulled it out sooner is a mystery as this is the hottest most miserable clime I have ever set up home in. Sticky, half wilted and very cranky I have not yet resigned myself to the conflagration that is Summer in Tucson.

There has been much distress over the past few days-nights kept awake by money worries and mosquitos. The horror of oil drenched birds and the blatant neglect & demise of so many riches in the Gulf is weighing heavy on me. (this is another post altogether) I could write for hours about my feelings regarding this but I just need to take a moment to exhale.

Now, it seems a little convoluted to self medicate with ice cream in the face of so much misery but my spirit tends to get really heavy on occasion. I sometimes find myself sponging up all of the stress & emotions around me and have to remember to clear the whole cloudy mess out of my system and reground myself.

(I need a good tickle and ice cream.)

Actually, it was the need for a calming cooking project that brought the ice cream maker out from its darkened corner. I headed for the sanctuary of the refrigerated produce room at 17th street market and the familiar blended smell of various varieties of asian produce which always reminds me of living in Oakland. I remembered on the drive home just how soothing fresh peppermint is. The atrocious heat in the truck was made bearable by the release of the cool scent of green. Peppermint grew like mad in my garden in California so it seems a shame to purchase a bunch! I really need to start my herb garden-there is no excuse!

I found late afternoon peace in the rinsing and preparation of the leaves and the stirring of cream.



(This particular recipe turned out to be REALLY rich!!! Heavy cream & whole milk definitely tipped the scales of decadence! Next time sorbet!)