Get Out Of The Kitchen… Beating the August Heat with a Classic Icebox Cake If you’re feeling the scorching summer heat like we are here in North Carolina, you might find yourself avoiding the kitchen as much as possible. The old saying, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen,” couldn’t be more fitting this first week of August. It’s been HOT outside – let’s make a classic icebox cake! Despite the high temperatures, we still want to make a special dessert for a birthday celebration without turning on the oven. Enter one of our favorite childhood treats: the icebox cake. This delightful, no-bake dessert is perfect for keeping cool while satisfying your sweet tooth. Now, for those who remember, the classic icebox cake traditionally used Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers. Sadly, these beloved wafers are no longer available. But don’t fret! We’ve found a fantastic substitute in Dewey’s Brownie Crisp Cookies. They bring a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with whipped cream. For a fun twist, we’re also testing out a second version using Biscoff cookies (fingers crossed). Graham crackers or other thin wafers will also work with this cake style. Here’s how to make your own refreshing icebox cake: Ingredients: Dewey’s Brownie Crisp Cookies (or other thin wafer cookie) 2 cups Heavy whipping cream 2 TBLS Caster sugar 1 TBLS Vanilla extract Instructions: Whip the cream with the sugar and vanilla until it forms stiff peaks. In a dish lined with plastic wrap (we used a silicone loaf pan), cover the bottom and sides of the pan with a generous layor of whipped cream (about 1/3 inch). Next layer the cookies with whipped cream and stack them in a row in the pan. Gently press the cookies to make sure they are tightly set in the cream. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, ending with a layer of whipped cream. Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the top so no cookie edges are showing. Use the excess plastic wrap to cover the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can, to let the cookies soften and meld with the cream. Garnish with the leftover cookie crumbs, and be sure to slice the cake in the opposite direction of cookie stacks so you get the striped layer presentation. That’s it! A simple, delicious dessert that keeps you cool and out of the kitchen. Whether you’re using Dewey’s Brownie Crisp Cookies or experimenting with another thin wafer cookie, this throwback icebox cake is sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
Garden Bounty…
Savoring the Season’s Freshest Produce… Summer is in full swing, and whether you’re growing your own vegetables or shopping at local farmers markets, there’s no better time to enjoy fresh, local produce. This summer, our garden is overflowing with vegetables – garden bounty, which has become the focal point of most of our meals. We’re currently highlighting the vibrant flavors of fresh blueberries, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, and tomatoes. The blueberries are not only perfect for snacking but also great for baking, jam and freezing, ensuring we have a taste of summer all year round. They also make their way into delicious blueberry muffins and desserts that everyone loves. Cucumbers are also incredibly versatile. We love using them in tzatziki and making homemade pickles—two refreshing treats that are perfect for hot days. Zucchini, on the other hand, shines in a variety of menu items, from side dishes to bread and even a favorite chocolate cake that always surprises and delights guests. And let’s not forget the tomatoes, which are at their peak right now. Their juicy, sweet flavor enhances everything from salads to sauces. We love the variety and versatility of tomatoes. If you have never roasted tomatoes, we highly recommend it. In addition to our bountiful harvest, the flowers in our garden are also abundant this time of year, perfect for making for beautiful bouquets. So, whether you’re harvesting from your garden or exploring the local farmers markets, take advantage of this season’s garden bounty. It’s the perfect time to savor the freshest, most flavorful produce of the year.