Captain Greg's Masterful Mint Chip Gelato

It's been a while since we've had Captain Greg stop by with one of his fabulous, and oh so decadent gelato concoctions. Who can forget his scandalously rich Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk?  Or maybe it's the zingy Lemon Lime version that stuck with you?  Personally I'll never forget the Ghirardelli Mocha Chip that sent me dreaming of Italy for days on end.

One of the kindest and most generous people I'm lucky enough to know, Captain Greg remains one of my favorite neighbors and gelato makers.  For the last 18 years he's always the calm voice on the other end of the phone when I'm in a pinch, but more importantly - he delivers treats right to my door.

And today he's sharing with all of us a new and ever so special Mint Chip Gelato in this guest post. Join me as we explore this most recent flavor explosion.

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Two years ago I decided to teach the children of close friends to cook Italian. As you would expect, when I left menu choices to the kids they came up with two “food groups”: pizza and gelato. 100% of the time.

“No pasta? No entrée’s with rich tomato sauce or cheeses?”

Nope. Pizza or gelato.

I know when to give in, and decided instead to build the challenge a different way.

I insist they choose the flavors and make it start-to-finish. No shortcuts. It lets me talk food chemistry, creativity, the importance of natural ingredients, and lets them experience the richness and fun of making their own creations. And it is fun!

Two great girls, Chloe and Sophie, showed up with a vision of “the greatest Mint Chip gelato ever”. So we brought together a garden of fresh mint, lots of eggs and most importantly, two packages of Andes Crème de Menthe Thins. You know, the ones you always grab 5 of when leaving a restaurant? They melt in your mouth with an explosion of mint, like the essence of a Girl Scout Cookie or a Grasshopper Martini (two very different delivery vehicles)!

I couldn’t think of a better, more refreshing frozen treat. And... we nailed it!

Start with my basic sugar and egg custard base, but prep it with a clutch of fresh mint sprigs steeped in the simmering milk ingredients. Cool it, add a couple drops of pure peppermint extract (guaranteed to clear your sinuses). An optional drop or two of green, throw it in your gelato or ice cream churn, and when it sets up swirl in the Andes Mint bits --- if you haven’t already eaten them.  Good luck!

It’s a complete rush of freshness -- silky, laced in chocolate and taking mint to the level of fantasy. I don’t think the girls will ever ask for pizza again…

2015 Year in Review - Liv Life Top 10

Summarizing 02015 for a girlfriend, the year didn't seem to be one I wanted to recap.  She asked if I really wasn't going to write our annual Christmas Letter, something I've done with zeal for as long as I can remember, and I shook my head no.  Memories filled with emotion, hospitals and loss flashed through my head as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

But further reflection warmed my heart as I recounted successes experienced by my kids, the kindness of friends, warm days on the beach shooting sunsets, puppy kisses, and the love of my family.

And then there's Liv Life and the blog world I'm ever so thankful for.  Friends from around the world who touch my life with frequency and share my passion for food warm my heart even more.  Touching the life of people I've never met with a new recipe or health tip, or perhaps opening someones eyes to a new way of eating continues to ignite my passion to share.

While a holiday card didn't make it into the mail this year, I did take a peek at our 2015 stats out of curiosity and found this year's focus different than in years past.

Admittedly my focus on food and ingredients changed to a more healthy and mostly plant-based style last year, but we still brought tempting treats as well as a cocktail or two.  Amazingly, those cocktails and treats weren't the overwhelming popular posts as in prior years.  This year the posts that "went viral" included Green Tea and Marinated Sweet Peppers.  Gone were the Strawberry Margarita Tequila Shots, though the Margarita Roundup did have quite a run near Cinco de Mayo.
I'd like to think there is a healthy trend in the food world, but perhaps it's simply the change in my focus.  In any case, I can't thank you all enough for supporting Liv Life and continuing to feed my passion.  Each and every comment touches my heart and inspires me with renewed love and ideas.

So Cheers to a new year - hopefully one filled with health and happiness for all. And now we bring you the Liv Life Top 10 in 2015!

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11 ~ Vegan Vanilla Crispy Belgian Waffles

I know I said 10... but these Crispy Belgian Waffles sit at 11 and rank up there as on of our favorite recipes ever.  Oft requested by Liv and her girlfriends, I simply had to share again!

10 ~ Coconut Sweet Potato Soup with a touch of Lime 

A recent post that seemed to pique interest as the 2015 weather turned chilly, this sweet potato soup sings with a touch of lime.  Silky smooth with coconut milk, this warm weather soup transports you to the tropics when you close your eyes.

 9 ~ Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ice Cream... always a favorite in the Liv Life household and this coconut version is no exception.  Dairy-Free so everyone can enjoy - but your non dairy-free friends will never miss the heavy cream.  

8 ~ Grilled Corn California Mexican Quinoa

A homework project turned new favorite meal... I've never been so thankful Liv chose to take Spanish as when she needed a dish from a "Spanish speaking country" for her final project.  Putting our heads together we added some of our favorite ingredients including avocado, quinoa and lime, and then topped it all with a our favorite Lime Crema for the win.  And the bonus??  She got an A on the project.

7 ~ Almond Butter Chia Protein Balls

 Trying to heal while in the hospital with "hospital food" falls into the "not gonna happen" category.  So, when dad spent a few days recovering from knee replacement surgery last summer we brought in most of his food.  Tops on the list?  These protein balls he and his roommate dubbed "Awesome Balls"!

6 ~ Blueberry Banana Almond Smoothie

Blueberries, Bananas and Almond Butter... who knew the combo brings a concoction so heavenly no one will know it's healthy?!  A new Liv Life favorite, I feel good fueling Liv with antioxidant-rich fruits and a decent dose of protein.

5 ~ Not-so-classic Margarita Round Up

Ahhh... the classic margiarita!  A favorite of mine since my college days, but does it always have to be "classic"?  Apparently not - and we've brought 10 not-so-classic versions to tempt you.

3 ~ Classic Brownies with Maple Coconut Whipped Cream

Classic Brownies, a treat most people (especially me!) can't resist.  But how does one get that shiny crust on top??  We've got the secret with this classic recipe!

2 ~ Marinated Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers

 Simply marinated and then tossed on the grill, this easy appetizer ranks as a favorite just about everywhere we go.  Dipped into a zesty Balsamic Garlic Vinaigrette these cute little guys are practically irresistible.

1 ~ Green Tea with Ginger and Mint

 Who would have guessed a Green Tea Detox Drink would rank as our number one viewed post this year?  But with restorative health benefits, I can totally see why.  Lovely on a hot day but also perfect after a late night with perhaps a bit too much imbibing - Green Tea, Mint and Ginger are number one in our book.

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And there you have it!  Our 2015 year in review... and not such a bad year when I look back at these recipes that have become regulars in our kitchen.  Our heartfelt thanks for visiting Liv Life, and here's wishing you a wonderful and healthy 2016.

Cheers to you! 

Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream ... #dairyfree

Personally, ice cream is not my favorite dessert.  But apparently it is for lots of other people, including my severely lactose-intolerant son.  Hence, when he became lactose intolerant years ago, ice cream became one of those forbidden things he missed the most.

We've tried varying dairy-free versions in the stores, but many come with funky textures and off flavors. He's found a few that are "Okay", but nothing that really makes him happy like the real thing.

Today though, we've come darn close with this dreamy coconut concoction!!  Silky smooth with the texture of traditional heavy cream, coconut milk brings a lovely tropical flavor to the mix.  Vanilla beans as well as extract lend a double dose of fragrant vanilla flavors, and mixed with the coconut milk become a dynamic duo of flavor perfection.

Garnering a rare "8" on his happy scale his only complaint was "It's too rich... I can't eat a big bowl of it".  Apparently his years away from heavy cream has changed his preference.  Next up we're going to give a lower fat version a go, but I'm afraid we may lose some of the silky, ultra cream texture that makes this one so special.
 
With a little planning ahead, you can be true ice cream hero to your ice cream lover!  While my son may have found slightly rich for his taste, Liv and her friends as well as my son's own girlfriend had no issues polishing off big bowls of their own.  Girls, apparently can handle rich :)

Dairy-free ice cream that tastes real??  We've got you covered.  Enjoy!

Captain Greg’s Ghirardelli Mocha Chip Gelato

Living in my little neighborhood close to the sea comes with more benefits than the beach.  I have neighbors who get the mail when I'm gone, friends who walk with me in the mornings and dads who lend helping hands with leaking pipes when my husband is out of town.  Most importantly though, I have neighbors who bring treats.

You may remember my gelato-making neighbor and good friend, Captain Greg (he tirelessly coaches for Team in Training), of Plum Perfect Gelato fame?  Or perhaps it's his Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk version that caught your eye?  Well, in my opinion, today's Ghirardelli Mocha Chip Gelato takes the cake.

Bringing us his fifth Liv Life Guest Post (and my personal favorite!), I hereby give you... Captain Greg!

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When I was just 4 years old, my Granddad would sneak my brothers and me into his kitchen for a treat that drove my Mom nuts.  He would pour us each a cup of coffee, then add lots of cream and sugar until it was a crazy delight that little resembled the “cup of Joe” that got me through college. Mom was not happy… “Oh Dad”, she’d say, “Coffee is terrible for the kids!”  And he’d chuckle and ask “Who wants a refill?”  So my love affair with coffee got off to an early start, and when it collided with a passion for chocolate there was no looking back. 

Mocha, that magical blend of coffee and cocoa, owned me from the first time I tried it.  Growing up, Wednesday was Baskin Robbins night, and one of my two scoops was always Jamoca Almond Fudge.  And at 16 my first job was a soda jerk at the Carnation Ice Cream Restaurant.  My first day, the Manager handed me a 2-gallon tub of Mocha Chip -- and a spoon.  Big mistake.  2 hours later, what wasn’t inside me had melted into a delicious drink that made milkshakes for a week!

So fast forward to now.  I’ve fallen in love with gelato.  Crisp, sharp flavors that far surpass their heavier confectionery cousin -- ice cream.  And it’s a passion that takes little more than patience, great ingredients and a trusted ice cream churn.  And like I needed an excuse!  My Team in Training runners preparing for a marathon in San Francisco challenged me to whip up something with a taste of the City by the Bay.  Too easy… for a guy that pounded 2 gallons of Mocha Chip as a teen?  What says San Francisco more than Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and that silky blend of cocoa and sugar that draped many a sundae at Ghirardelli’s?  Way too easy.

So today’s recipe is a flavor sensation that’s straightforward and simple.  Start with a sweetened custard base, combine it with the essentials of any fine mocha, and amp it up to another level with Ghirardelli chocolate chips and slivered almonds.  Then join me back in Grandpa Rathel’s kitchen for a celebration of coffee and chocolate!  Give it up Mom…  I’ll take another scoop please!

Coconut Banana Ice Cream

Rich and creamy with a taste of the tropics... it was on the menu for breakfast this morning, and with its low-fat calorie count, my nearly bikini ready waistline didn't care.  I must preface that we don't usually have ice cream for breakfast, but the lovely morning light streaming in my window creating an almost perfectly lit photo shoot left me with a semi-soft bowl of photographed ice cream.  And, it was fabulous.

Dairy free for my lactose intolerant family, those bananas stacking up in my freezer were put to good use.  Trader Joe's Light Coconut Milk replace the heavy cream but didn't lose any of the luscious creaminess.

A delicate swirl of melted dark chocolate hardened in the frozen concoction bringing a bite to each taste, and a topping of crunchy coconut flakes had me swooning.

With visions of tropical locales spinning through my head, I just may put this delight on the menu for breakfast more often.

Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream

With the hoiday season now upon us, calories, thankfully, don't count.  At least that's what I keep telling myself every time I tuck into a luscious bowl of Captain Greg's Salted Caramel Ice Cream...

You may remember my gelato loving neighbor, Captain Greg, who provided us with some fabulous concoctions over the last year.  My personal favorite?  The Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chunk Gelato.  Filled with chocolate chunks and chopped peanut butter cups, the creamy gelato brought a minefield of goodness.  The end of summer, and ever so popular Plum Perfect Gelato made its rounds featuring plums harvested from Greg's tree with the help of some young neighbors, and the Lemon Lime version?  Tangy and reminiscent of a perfect margarita (minus the tequila), Captain Greg has what it takes to make people smile.

One of the kindest and most giving people I know, Greg is the Captain of a local Team in Training Chapter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Mentoring new members as they begin their marathon training, Captain Greg provides the positive support that keeps these runners moving and a love of life that is contagious to everyone he touches.  Included in that verve for life, Greg also has a touch with Gelato and other frozen concoctions that doesn't disappoint.

Join me as we sit with Greg while he chats up his newest creation!

Captain Greg's Plum Perfect Gelato

Arriving home from our long week in Las Vegas for Liv's Nationals (pics on our Liv Life Facebook page), my cupboards were absolutely bare.  Leaving a teenaged son home with his dad for a week totally depleted our stores of frozen burritos, marinated salmon and chips and salsa along with anything even remotely sweet.  Please note that they did indeed have access to a car and a grocery store, but have instead kindly left me with a list of needed items prominently on the kitchen table.

Having wonderful neighbors, however, frequently brings good things to me just in my times of need.  That's where Captain Greg comes in.  Perhaps you remember Captain Greg, our gelato expert and guest poster, from his sweet/tart Lemon Lime Gelato post or his plentiful  Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chunk Gelato?

Captain Greg is one of those people who always seems to know what you need.  One of the kindest and most giving people I know, Captain Greg is the Captain of our local Team in Training Chapter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Mentoring new members as they begin their marathon training, Captain Greg provides the positive support that keeps these runners moving, and a love of life that makes everyone love him.

In any case, arriving home tired, hungry and just a little grumpy, Captain Greg was at our door in mere minutes delivering his latest creation, Captain Greg's Plum Perfect Gelato, as a congratulations to our dancing girl.  Taking a quick look, Liv simply smiled, gave a heartfelt thanks and headed for a spoon.

Captain Greg, thanks for welcoming us home and thanks for bringing another fabulous Guest Post to Liv Life.

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Every April, my wonderful neighbor’s children – Jack and Maggie – knock on my door with one all-consuming question, “Mr. Greg!  Are the ‘prums’ ready yet?”  Each week as spring tumbles into summer, Jack insistently drills me with the same question, as though asking will somehow hurry the plums to harvest.  It doesn’t matter whether my tree is just barely bristling with delicate, fragrant white blossoms, the question is always the same.

So in that beautiful moment in mid-June, when Carlsbad’s morning fog gives way to hot, brilliant sunshine, my one over-achieving plum tree begins dropping a crop that could feed the county.  Plump, unspeakably sweet, and the deepest of red-purples, the fruit arrives all at once.  And Jack and Maggie (who I affectionately call “my Farmworkers”) slip into the backyard at dawn to harvest what’s fallen almost magically into fruit nets.  My tree is relentless!

So I took on a challenge.  What to do with the hundreds of plums that in just a few days would move from ultimate sweetness to “not-so-wonderful”?  Catch them at their peak, and the “Oh my God” sweetness can be folded into dozens of recipes!

But how could I freeze the moment when these firm, succulent plums packed their ultimate punch?   Jack and Maggie’s Mom wondered aloud, “If only you could just capture that uniquely incredible moment of sweetness, shocking plum tartness and the fresh taste of your plum tree…”  Captain Greg, you were served!

Well, gelato’s my passion.  But the flavor signature of this early-Summer fruit is difficult to feature.  The culinary world just hasn’t served up a recipe that tapped plum’s seasonal punch.  Until now.  I re-crafted the delicate balance of sweet-and-pungent of my Blood Orange gelato recipe to exploit the tart delivery of ripe plums.  Modestly, I must admit, this recipe nails it!  The fruity sugars, the sharp wallop of a crisp tart plum, and the mellow consistency of gelato will leave you begging for “Seconds”, “Thirds” and “What the hell, let’s finish this off…!”

Enjoy the “prums”.

Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chunk Gelato

Living in San Diego has its benefits.  Take for example the sunshine, the beaches, and the lack of freezing winters.  Living on my particular street in sunny San Diego, however, comes with even more benefits.

Having a recently retired neighbor with extra time on his hands occasionally brings freshly made treats to my door.  Last week it was creamy, fresh guacamole and today I was the extraordinarily lucky recipient of this frozen gelato-like confection filled with surprises in every bite.

Chunks of frozen ganache contrast with little pieces of chopped peanut butter cups, and are all wrapped up in a frozen peanut butter gelato/ice cream custard.

Oh My.  Oh MY!  OH MY!!  Delicious beyond words, I give you Captain Greg bringing us his 2nd Liv Life Guest Post (be sure to check out his first post, Lemon Lime Gelato, from last May).

Bet you wish you lived on my street.

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Ask any scientist or 6 year old what's essential for life:  Oxygen.  Chocolate.  Peanut Butter.   If you can hold your breath long enough, you might even do without Oxygen.  Not so for chocolate and peanut butter.

Fortunately, Harry Burnett Reese understood the universal truth that chocolate and peanut butter were meant to be together like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  So in the 1920's, Mr. Reese marketed a small confectionery cup of Hershey's Chocolate filled with a smooth peanut butter blend and the rest is history.   Kids gobble 'em up at Halloween, lunchtime, in fact any time they can sneak a treat.  And like you don't pull a few out of their Halloween loot when they're not looking...

So it's time to legitimize the larceny with a deliciously decadent dessert that any kid or adult kid would die for - Captain Greg's Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Chunk Mortal Sin Gelato.  This is one you need.  It's primal.  It's the perfect capture of smooth and sinewy peanut butter with the sweet, seductive indulgences of fine crafted chocolate.  Throw in a handful of Mr. Reese's brilliance and swirl in an extra bounty of chocolate and peanut butter and this gelato blows away anything you've ever imagined gelato could be.

 My neighbor and dessert muse, Claudine, asked me to "amp up your classic Peanut Butter and Chocolate Gelato recipe".  When I suggested, "Chunking it", she flipped, and said "You've taken it from a Venial Sin to a Mortal Sin!"  So that's the story.  It will take more than a few "Our Fathers" to be forgiven for this sinfully delicious treat!

Sweet peanut butter gelato infused with handcrafted Ghirardelli chocolate, chunked peanut-butter cups, and swirls of more of the same...  I should be arrested for this one.

Sleepover Tips and Ideas, Pop Rocks Ice Cream Floats, Fleece Tie Pillows, and Electrolux helps clean up

Sleepovers spell fun.  Pure and simple... a whole night giggling with your girlfriends, doing hair and nails, dancing, doing a craft project, eating fun foods and simply being together, is most every young girl's dream.

Luckily for Liv and three of her girlfriends, the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program and Electrolux offered to sponsor us to host a sleepover and blog about our sleepover tips and experiences.  Liv, beyond excited, immediately set to planning food, crafts and tips.

Highlighting Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Electrolux has teamed up with Kelly Ripa in a Virtual Sleepover Party.  You can help increase funds for Ovarian Cancer Research simply by clicking here to join Kelly's Virtual Sleepover.  For every person who joins the sleepover, Electrolux will donate another $1 to the cause, and you will be entered for a chance to win an Electrolux Perfect Steam washer and dryer set.  From the site, "the Electrolux Perfect Steam™ washers and dryers offer the most capacity to help parents shoulder any load, plus, with just 15 minutes to wash and 14 to dry, the laundry is done in no time."  15 minutes to wash?  Sign me up!

In past sleepovers, and as a former Girl Scout Leader, I have found that being prepared is always a bonus.  A little time spent planning activities, food, what to have the guests bring and where to sleep will give you a head start in your evening and some direction to your event.

Excitement built as the start time drew near our sleepover party, and before I knew it I had a houseful of happy girls, lots of music and an evening of fun in the works. Laughter only increased as the video camera came out and the girls set to the task of making Liv Life's first video:

The Sleepover Special

Sleepover Tips from Liv Life

Tossing the pizza dough.

Food:
Food is always an important part of any event, and a sleepover is no exception.  One of our most requested sleepover foods is the make your own pizza.  A quick stop at Trader Joe's provided everything we needed from the prepared pizza dough to the pre-shredded cheeses and a tasty jarred sauce.  Add a package of pepperoni and a few favorite veggies and you are set!  Rounding out the meal, a watermelon adds a bit of nutrition, while the Pop Rock Ice Cream Floats (recipe below) add even more fun.

Additional food favorites include veggies and dips, chips and guacamole, popcorn, Homemade Rice Krispie Treats, and fruit of any kind.

Banana Pancakes topped with a Warm Maple Glaze

Breakfast can be as simple as store bought bagels, or with a little prep you can have the "oohs and ahhhs" that we had with freshly prepared Banana Pancakes topped with a Warm Maple Glaze.

Mixing the dry ingredients before you go to bed has you simply measuring the wet ingredients, cracking an egg or two and whisking it all together before you set dollops onto a hot griddle in the morning.  The girls mixed the glaze and set the table and breakfast was ready before we knew it.

Remember to get the kids into the kitchen.  Many times they really want to help and they truly enjoy mixing, measuring, decorating and simply stirring.

Liv Life Tip:  Paper plates make clean up a snap!

Liv Life's favorite Sleepover Recipes:

Blueberry Banana Smoothies

Fruity Cereal Treats

Grilled Pizza with Semolina Pizza Dough

Cocoa Marshmallow Krispie Treats

Whole Grain Buttermilk Pancakes with Oatmeal and Banana

Activities:
Whether it be games, movies, dancing, a planned craft, or simply a bag of balloons, the kids will be more directed and hopefully less crazy if they have a bit of direction and something to do.  The Girl Scout Leader in me usually has some sort of craft planned, with this event featuring fleece tie pillows. 

A quick stop at our local craft store found sheets of fleece on sale.  Combined with scissors and stuffing we had no sew, tie pillows for all!

Fleece Tie Pillow Directions:

1. Purchase 2 pieces of fleece fabric at your local craft store (we found precut blanket sized sheets that were pre-packaged).  Liv chose a complementing pattern and a solid.
2. Layer the fabric one over the other and cut pillow sized pieces.  Liv and her friends chose a sort of square shape about 1.5 feet by 1.5 feet.
3. With the fabric still layered, use scissors to cut 1 to 1 1/2 inch strips into the fabric and all around the entire edges of the fabric.
4. Begin tying the fabrics together with the cut strips and tie nearly all the way around.
5. When nearly done, stuff the pillows with desired amount of stuffing and finish off the tying.

Easy, fun and a little time consuming the kid are on task for at least a little while, and they can even tie while they watch a movie.

Liv Life Tip:  While some planning is beneficial, try not to over plan... part of the fun of a sleepover is just that, having fun, and the fun will evolve.  Give the kids a camera to record their evening, turn on the music and let them dance! 

Liv, Devi, Vanners and Savy Activity Tip:  Avocado facial masks!  Avocados are known to contain minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, etc. Factor in the vitamins A, E, B and K and you have a concoction to ease dry skin.  My girls used a recipe of avocado, yogurt and oil, but numerous avocado facials can be found around the internet, find the one that works best for you.

Mom Note: avocados facials are not OK to do over the carpet, nor at 1 AM...

Clean-Up

Our 20 year old Electrolux vacum!

An evening of sleepover fun can often lead to a house of disaster if the kids are left to their own devices.  As the kids arrive I always lay down a few ground rules.  Set up what is important to you, but we include, no food, drink, makeup, nail polish or polish remover over any carpeted area.  Clear your plates from the table and don't do anything that you don't want me to talk to your mom about!

Getting everyone involved in clean up is key.  As the ending hour draws near have the kids help fold blankets, replace couch cushions, clean up old balloons, etc, and with everyone helping the clean up goes fast.  Again, turn on the music and have fun in the process.

Thanks to the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program and Electrolux for sponsoring our sleepover.  Liv, Vanners, Devi and Savy had a blast, I survived, and the house is no worse for the wear.

Scoop ice cream, add pop rocks, add more ice cream, pour soda!

Lemon Lime Gelato

My family and I continually count our blessings that we live in the neighborhood we do. With the summer sunshine bringing us all out of our houses, spontaneous gatherings and wine with friends on the porch is always a treat.  Greg, my neighbor across the street, has positively spoiled us all with his new found love of gelato.  Luckily he's found the need to experiment, and we are all happy taste testers to his dazzling frozen creations.

Yesterday's cheesecake post highlighting our recent foodie event, a Progressive Dinner Party, has me thankful once again for our neighborhood.  Not only was I surrounded by close friends, but fantastic food filled our tables.  With our dinner party theme of "summer travels" I was treated to the tastes of Spain and France for appetizers, the Caribbean and local San Diego goodness for the main course, and Greg's brilliant Italian Lemon Lime Gelato for dessert.

Greg has kindly offered to share his foray into the world of Gelato with us all as a Guest Poster here on Liv Life.  Our fingers are crossed that he will return soon with a new flavor... I've heard through the grapevine that he has a bag of Blood Oranges waiting for treatment!  Without further ado, I give you Greg...   

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You know you're approaching citrus groves long before you arrive at the  hardscrabble hillsides of Italy's Amalfi Coast.  Just follow your nose!  Springtime, the fragrant lemon blossoms announce the orchard kilometers before you see their delicate white flowers.  And as the summer takes hold, plump yellow fruit hangs from every branch, clustered against an unspeakably green canopy of leaves.  You have arrived at the renowned orchards that feed the world's appetite for Limoncello.  The lemons are bright and heavy.  And, oh yes, incredibly delicious.

Italian Geletaria - Florence, Italy

A year ago I traveled through Italy and fell in love with the country, its people, and most importantly, its food!  Textures, subtleties, flavor and color... all of the wonderful and delicious nuances of Italian cuisine transformed my visit into a journey of discovery.  And one passion I couldn't shake, even when I'd been Stateside for months, was my newfound love for gelato.

Cold, light, bursting with flavor.  Not the heavy notes of ice cream.  Not the icy smoothness of sherbet.  No, gelato has a life of its own.  Barely below the freezing point and lighter than other frozen confections, gelato is the Prince of Desserts.  The perfect complement to cake, cookies, and anything else you want to class up with a frozen treat.  Or simply pile it high in an icy bowl and have at it!

And my favorite recipe is a challenge to any palette looking for a citrus bouquet with a crisp, tart finish.   My Lemon Lime Gelato combines a chorus of sweet icy delight with the honest simplicity of this citric pairing.  Expect "Bold" and enjoy the tracings of zest and fresh juices that give this gelato its character!