Downton fans across North America are in a funk as we try to be gracious about the Downton launch on ITV next Sunday, while we have to wait for January on PBS. On the upside we can still look forward to Sept. 22 as the date of the Primetime Emmy Awards. Downton has garnered 12 nominations, including Best Drama.
Today we enjoy the more fruits of the harvest and squeak a few more weeks out of summer with peach and lavender ice cream. Definitely an upstairs dessert.
Downton Dish
Unfortunately, PBS will not be broadcasting S4 of our beloved show until January in the US and Canada. But you can get reacquainted with If you haven’t seen all seasons (1-3) beware of spoilers below.
- What do to while you wait? Visit Highclere!
- Remember Downton is Fictional: Asking for directions to the Abbey
- Learn more of Highclere through new book: [easyazon-link asin=”0385344961″ locale=”us”]Lady Catherine, the Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey[/easyazon-link]
- Positive Portrayal of Black Community: Julian Fellowes discusses how blacks depicted on screen
- Edith comes into her own in S4: From tractor driver to lady of London Society.
Light Peaches and Lavender Ice Cream
We recently made lavender tea and lavender tea cakes. I also had some peaches from the market so I made a batch of ice cream to enjoy before we say goodbye to summer in this part of the world.
Light Peaches and Lavender Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 6 medium peaches ripe
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. dried lavender buds
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup fat free evaporated milk
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Place in large roasting pan, cut side up. Drizzle with the honey and lavender. Roast until golden brown and soft, about 30 minutes. Let cool completely and peel the skins off the peaches and roughly mash.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine the milk, evaporated milk and honey, stirring until the mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Refrigerate until cold.
- When both fruit and ice cream base have chilled, mix together and freeze for 20 minutes or according to your ice cream maker manufacturer’s instructions.
- Best enjoyed right out your ice cream maker, but you can freeze and let thaw slightly to regain the great creamy consistency.
Notes
Tips on Making Lower Fat Frozen Desserts
Most of the recipes I provide on this site have been lightened to some extent, and in the case of ice creams, use milk or yoghurt in place of cream and eggs. If you have a family recipe you want to make healthier here are a few tricks which help keep the same creamy consistency:- Add 1–2 tbsp. cornstarch for every quart of mixture; it serves as a thickening agent;
- Add 1–2 puréed frozen bananas; it will help provide a creamy texture;
- Replace the cream with fat free evaporated or coconut milk; it will help provide a creamy consistency;
- Drop in 2–3 tbsp. of vodka or other alcohol into your mixture; it has a lower freezing point will helps prevents ice crystals from forming.
Downton Books
Gain unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Downton Abbey in this official Season 4 tie-in book, complete with never-before-seen photos giving fans insight into the making of the runaway hit.
