Ice Cream!

I have a freakin' huge family.  Seriously, there's my mom and dad, me and my little brother, but then there's also my three older half-siblings and they are all married and have children.  Basically, my dad has five kids and 7 grandkids.  That means, I am an Aunt! Yep, I became Aunt Jodie when I was in 4th grade.  Pretty crazy right? I love my crazy huge family.  They are so fun and no one has much of a filter when it comes to dinner conversation.  We are loud and overwhelming to outsiders, but to us, we are fun, loving, and a party no matter what the occasion.

For the past few days, my older brother, his wife, and my two little nieces were staying with us.  They live in Boston and we don't get to see them that often.  One night, we had my other brother's family and my sister's family over for dinner.  It was amazing being with all of them in one place and it was so much fun! We ordered in pizza from Lou Malnati's (one of Chicago's best!) and I made TWO new ice cream flavors for dessert.  I made coffee-chip ice cream and brownie batter frozen yogurt.  The coffee was a huge hit, but the brownie one was too frozen and tasted "too healthy" according to the critics.  If you go into eating it knowing it is healthy and a little tart, I think you will love it.  I also put out chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and an assortment of sprinkles for make-your-own sundaes. The nieces and nephews had a blast with that and it was so cute watching them put together their crazy sundaes.  It was a lovely evening.

They had to leave early this morning to get home, but Bri and I are taking a road-trip later this summer and hitting up a bunch of places including Boston! I can't wait to see them again.  Also, tonight we are babysitting for my sister's kids and so I get another dose of family time! Can't wait!

Coffee Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (adapted from Wholesome Cook)

Ingredients:
1 cup skim milk
2 cups whipping cream
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup chilled coffee
1 tbsp espresso powder
1 tbsp ground coffee
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (finely chopped in a food processor)
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
1. Beat whipping cream on high until peak forms and cream holds it's shape (about five minutes).
2. While the cream is whipping, in a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, coffee, espresso powder, ground coffee, cocoa powder, and vanilla.
3. Whisk in the whipped cream and the chopped dark chocolate.
4. Pour into your ice cream maker and freeze according to directions.  Pour into a container and freeze for at least 2 hours.  The ice cream will remain scoop-able.
Enjoy :)

Brownie Batter Frozen Yogurt (adapted from Ari's Menu)

So frozen!

Ingredients:
3 cups non-fat greek yogurt
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup reduced-guilt brownie mix

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Place in the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Pour mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to directions.
3. Pour into a container and freeze for at least an hour.  Take the frozen yogurt out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before eating so that it can thaw a little.
Enjoy :)