Sneak Peek!

I wanted to start previewing some of our wedding pics on the blog and decided this picture was a great place to start as it was sort of a sneak "peek" for us prior to the ceremony.

Our photographer, the amazing Rachel from Millie Holloman Photography, suggested the idea to me and I was all for it! My husband-to-be was hesitant and nervous that he would accidentally see me. I had to send messages through Rachel to convince him, and luckily he conceded. It was such a special moment and made for a beautiful picture. I could tell even without seeing him that he had some serious nerves and emotions going on. Holding hands for just a few moments while Rachel snapped some pictures eased off some of the nerves we had been having throughout the day. It was just one of those special moments we will remember forever!

This picture also provides a glimpse of my dress which I wasn't able to reveal (for obvious reasons) in my old blog prior to the wedding. More on the dress in my next blog!

A Summertime Favorite: Homemade Cheerwine Ice Cream

Ever since I saw the article on the Krispy Kreme Cheerwine doughnuts, I've been on a Cheerwine kick. It's not even one of my favorite sodas but I got to thinking about the homemade ice cream I mentioned that my aunt makes.

Since mom was making a trip to PA to visit me, I told her to bring the Cuisinart Homemade Ice Cream maker and a bottle of Cheerwine :). What a great little machine! You can make homemade ice cream in 20-30 minutes!! The recipes are a lot easier than the homemade too. I haven't had homemade ice cream in a long time, but I do remember as a kid that it took hours to make. It may not be the exact homemade taste if you compared the two side-by-side, but it was close enough that I couldn't tell a difference.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, well chilled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk, well chilled
• 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, to taste
• of course, bottle of cheerwine (we guesstimated the amount but at least a 1-2 cups)

Recipe: 

1. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to combine the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes on low speed.
2. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Add the cheerwine.
3. Turn on ice cream maker and pour mixture into freezer bowl (kept in freezer at least 6 hours prior to making) and let mix until thickened for about 25-30 minutes.

Not only was the ice cream delicious but it was a good mother-daughter moment too! :) Mom was nice enough to leave me the ice cream machine to keep!

(a little melted down but still yummy!)