Time to Social-ice! Candied Brazil Nut Ice Cream

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 57 comments

Candied Brazil Nut Ice Cream

"Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and July 15, 1984, as National Ice Cream Day and I call upon the people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities."

-- Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States (1981-89)

It's official: eating ice cream for the entire month of July is nothing less than your civic duty. And what better way to honor the Gipper's delicious decree on its 25th anniversary than by holding a social media social event. So get ready to dish out some cold creaminess - it's time for an Ice Cream Social!

(Photo from Wikimedia Commons)
Before there were Internet tweets, there were ice cream treats and before Facebook, Foodbuzz and the blogosphere, the coolest social networking on the planet were parties featuring those frozen concoctions of milk, cream and sugar. Ice cream socials were, and still are, held by communities all over the country, bringing their members together to cool off from the summer heat in a fun and tasty way. Well hey, we're a community, too!

So, I'm joining Scott at ScottySnacks and Jennifer at Savorthethyme to invite you to blog, tweet and e-mail your best ice cream creations to us throughout July. We'll post a round-up of your creative, chilled concoctions at the end of the month, leaving plenty of summertime to enjoy making and eating the frosty treats.

Of course, there is a cherry on top of this sundae: you'll also have a chance to win some surprizes. Don't worry, my spellcheck still works - we're just keeping these rewards under wraps for now but you won't be disappointed. So get a firm grip on the ice cream scoop, power up your laptop, cellphone, camera or video, and dazzle us with some clever confections.

Have a great homemade recipe? Did you visit a favorite ice cream shop or a unique local dairy/creamery? Anywhere and any way you've recently indulged in ice cream ecstasy, let us know; entries can be a blog post, a vlog, video, or just a photograph!

UPDATE 7/11/09
Many thanks to OysterCulture, who noted that our contest rules needed some clarification regarding WHAT qualifies as an entry and in what FORMAT they can be. So, I have made revisions to the rules below (changes indicated in purple):

To enter:

Entries may feature any kind of frozen dessert including ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelatos and any international variations, such as halo-halo, kulfi or ais kacang. If you have any questions or are uncertain about what may qualify, please feel free to e-mail me at tanglednoodle@gmail.com for clarification!

1) Post about your frozen dessert creation on your blog, linking back to ScottySnacks, Savorthethyme and Tangled Noodle. Then send us a link and photo of your post! We welcome any posts that were published before the start of our challenge.

You also don't need to actually make a frozen dessert yourself! Please feel free to take a photo or video of something that you've enjoyed recently and send it to us.

2) No blog? No problem! Send us a photo, video or vlog of your entry telling us what, where and when it was taken. Provide a URL, if applicable (a still shot or capture would be great, too).

3) International entries are encouraged but due to some limitations, some prizes may not be available.

4) EMAIL YOUR ENTRIES TO: icecream@scottysnacks.com. Please include your name and e-mail address so that we may contact you should you win a prize. Enter as many times as you wish!

Deadline is Friday July 31, 2009

Since this is a Social Media Ice Cream Social, feel free to show us some sweet tweet love. Tweet about this challenge using #icsocial (@savorthethyme @scottysnacks @tanglednoodle)!

Let's Get This Party Started!

To kick things off, I proudly offer the Noodle household's first batch of homemade ice cream for the summer! A short while ago, Sam from Oh!Nuts offered to send me a sampling of the company's products and invited me to choose from their selection of nuts and dried fruits. It didn't take long to find what I wanted . . . Brazil nuts.

The childhood memory is vivid and indelible: my sisters and I, grappling and clawing for the solitary Brazil nut packed in the cans of Planters mixed nuts that our parents so rarely bought. Like the surprise toy in a box of Cracker Jacks or Frosted Flakes, that precious prize went to the sister with the fastest grasp or the sharpest elbow. Fighting for that golden nugget taught us skills that would make any Ultimate Fighter tremble (though biting, eye-gouging and hair-pulling are probably not UFC-sanctioned). Even as an adult, I don't get to indulge in Brazil nuts very often, so if you dare try to snitch one, this Filipina will unstrap her MannyPac on your presumptuous a**!


Fortunately, Sam sent a whole bag of these giant seeds (many thanks, Oh!Nuts) so I had more than enough to use for our chilled concoction. Since my ice cream maker has been in hibernation for quite some time, I decided to start off with an easy vanilla ice cream base and fill it with candied nuts. This is the beginning of a very sweet summer . . .





Candied Brazil Nut Ice Cream
One of my earlier posts, Sweetly Spiced Chipotle Almonds, provided the template for the sugared Brazil nuts; I substituted instant coffee for the chipotle, giving the nuts a unique, earthy flavor that went well with the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream base. For that, I found a simple, egg-less vanilla ice cream recipe from Southern Living magazine. The flavor was delicious although the texture was not as rich and creamy as a custard-based recipe. Feel free to use your favorite ice cream recipe!


Candied Brazil Nuts
(Yields approx. 2 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (8 teaspoons) water
1 tsp instant coffee granules
1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
pinch of salt
8 ounces Brazil nuts, chopped to peanut-size

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat;
2. In a sauce pan over medium heat, mix together all ingredients except nuts. Stir until mixture comes to a gentle simmer and sugar dissolves completely;
3. Add the Brazil nuts and mix well so that they are completely covered in the sugar mixture. Continue to stir constantly until most of the moisture has evaporated and the nuts are well-coated;
4. Immediately pour nuts onto the baking sheet, spreading them out evenly. Toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes, watching carefully so that the nuts do not burn. Stir them around to ensure even toasting;
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

No-Cook Vanilla Ice Cream
(from Southern Living Magazine)

Equipment: electric ice cream maker

Ingredients:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
5 oz evaporated milk
2 cups whole milk
2 Tbsps sugar
2 tsps vanilla extract

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes;
2. Pour mixture into ice cream maker bowl and prepare according to machine instructions (mine took about 30 minutes);
3. Immediately transfer ice cream into a plastic container and add 1/2 cup of nuts at a time, until desired amount reached and mixing well in between;
4. Cover tightly and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Now go and get your scoop on!

57 comments:

  • Scotty (with the) Snacks said...

    As always, these shots look delicious!! And, since I still need to make ice cream for the first time, I think you just saved me a trip to google b/c I am definitely using your recipe as a cheat sheet ;)

    Thanks again to you and Jennifer!!

    Scott(y)

    PS - I think something's up w my spell check, too :)

  • Jenn said...

    I love brazil nuts. yum!!! looks good.

    I so want an ice cream maker so I ca some up with a recipe!!!! Bummer! But I can't wait to see that people come up with.

  • Jennifer said...

    You held back: yes, you did not tell me that you were sending me some subtle love by using coffee in the ice cream. I am working on a coffee one myself but with a lil surprize...making the vanilla with 4 kids later today!

  • Phyllis said...

    This brazil nut ice cream looks divine, TN! I think you should scrap the contest and just declare yourself the winner :)
    I won't be submitting a homemade entry because I don't have an ice cream maker (antique side-by-side fridge doesn't have a large enough freezer to chill the canister). But I was planning to feature a local ice cream mecca on my blog in honor of National Ice Cream month so I'll make sure to enter with that. And thanks for the reminder to eat ice cream all month, but we're already way ahead of you, oink ;)

  • Anonymous said...

    I am loving this Brazil Nut Ice cream! I hope I can participate in this fun event - if I can only find a special ice cream shop on our coming up trip.

  • Lisa said...

    Oh. Oh I love Brazil nuts. And yours are candied. In ice cream. I'm really dying here...my new machine is going to combust with all the new recipes I'm collecting. And this look divine.

  • Kiezie said...

    DELICIOUS!! I started off the month of July by eating ice cream, and I think that ice cream every day is a win-win situation!! Great idea, and yours looks lip smacking good!

  • neena creates said...

    oh great, just what i need, permission to eat ice cream for the whole month of july! well, good thing there's a basking robbins opening up across the street from where i live!

  • Lori said...

    These are the times when I wish my ice cream makers wasn't in a storage unit in the US! Although, we have some great por kilo ice cream shops here with interesting flavors so a post may still be possible.

    I love the addition of the coffee with those Brazil nuts and I am a huge fan of the egg-less ice cream recipes. It looks great!

  • Miranda said...

    Hey you,
    Just want to let you know I added you as a fav. blog on my site. Check it out.

    The ice cream is to die for!! It looks incredible.

  • Anonymous said...

    I want an ice-cream maker sooooo bad!
    Wow...I have never heard of candied brazil nuts...sounds amazing!

  • Forager said...

    Ooh- I love candied nuts! My favourite tiramisu cake is covered in candied nuts and makes such a difference. I'm sure this ice cream will taste sensational too!

  • OysterCulture said...

    Your ice cream concoction looks incredible, and I love the recipe, most homemade recipes are custard base that I confess I am not tempted.

    I'm more of a sorbet maker myself, so I will watch and cheer from the sidelines.

    Here is one of my favorite ice cream places in SF. and the creativity with regards to the flavors is amazing - my two favorites are olive oil and secret breakfast (bourbon and corn flakes)

    http://www.humphryslocombe.com/%7C_Flavors_%7C.html
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/niallkennedy/3336758917/

  • Anonymous said...

    I, Jenni from PMAT, do solemnly swear to never get between you and your brazil nuts! Here's to a fantastic ice-cream-filled summer, TN!

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    Hope everyone has had a great start to the weekend!

    Scotty - Definitely try out this recipe! So easy and versatile. Can't wait to see what you do with it!

    Jenn - I haven't used my ice cream maker in so long but now I'm hooked! It's even more worthwhile for you, being in CA - perpetual ice cream season! 8-)

    Lisa - I hope you'll join in the frozen fun!

    Nora - Thanks! It's an easy recipe to add whatever you'd like - nuts, chocolates, etc. I'm already thinking about my next 'flavor'!

    ValleyWriter - Thank you! Scotty and Jennifer get top credit for coming up withe the ice cream social idea - I'm just lucky to join!

    Jennifer - It's a subliminal message of hello! Looking forward to your coffee version. 8-)

    Sophie - Thank you! Please let me know how it turns out if you have a chance to make it (or any other ice cream!)

    Elra - They are my favorites but I don't buy them often. This was a great way to enjoy them leisurely!

    Chef E - Hope we see one of your delicious creations!

    Phyllis - You're too sweet but this will pale in comparison to what I expect to see with others' entries! I can't wait to read about this ice cream mecca - another reason to visit your stomping grounds. 8-)

    5 Star - Thank you! You've got a knack for creating original recipes and finding incredible places to eat - hope you will definitely send an entry!

    Jackie - That's exactly how I felt after seeing so many great ice cream posts from other bloggers! Have fun with it!

    KennyT - Thank you! I had neglected my ice cream maker for so long and now I can't imagine putting it away again!

    Bob - I hope you do enter! You come up with such great recipes. Maybe your GF can choose a special flavor . . . ? 8-)

    Due Dishes - And even funnier is that proclamations hold legal weight!! This is pretty much a law (okay, a bit of stretch but what a great excuse to eat ice cream at will!)

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    Replies, cont'd . . .

    Lisa - Thank you! I have been saving so many recipes, too. I don't know if I can afford all the calories! 8-)

    Sam - I'm fortunate to have received a complimentary bag; otherwise, the sole Brazil nut in the canister never lasts long enough to be collected! 8-)

    ChefBliss - Thank you and it's so great to have you back! This batch lasted quite a while even though both Mr. Noodle and I have been indulging each day!

    Neenacreates - Permission is full granted! One of these days, you should get a machine and make your own organic ice creams and frozen treats!

    Lori - I had put mine away in a closet for years and only broke it out this week for this recipe! Now I can't bear to think of putting away again. I would love to see/hear about the por kilo ice cream shops as well as what kinds of flavors are popular in Brazil. So please do consider sending in an entry!

    The eggless recipe is still quite tasty although not as creamy and I couldn't make ice cream with Brazil nuts and not pair it with coffee! 8-)

    Miranda - Thank you! I'll be over to your site ASAP.

    Burpandslurp - I hope you get one! I'd forgotten how easy it was to use it. Maybe that's why I put it away - too dangerous to have easy access to ice cream! 8-D

    Chow and Chatter - Thank you! Can't imagine one without the other. Thank goodness there are still several more months of the summer!

    Phanitha - Thanks! I hope you do send something in, even if it's just a photo of some great frozen treat that you've recently enjoyed! Perhaps some kulfi? 8-)

    Forager - I love candied nuts, too! I usually make them for Christmas but couldn't resist for this. That tiramisu cake sounds wonderful! Where do you get it? That's giving me ideas . . . !

    Mediterranean Kiwi - Thank you! I must admit that I've benefited the most for having made it! 8-)

    Erica - Thanks! I bought mine a few years ago and with just a few recipes, it's earned its cost. Hope you find one, too!

    OysterCulture - As much as I love ice cream, sorbets are probably 'safer', calorically speaking! 8-) Thanks for these links! Olive oil ice cream sounds so intriguing but secret breakfast may have to be my first choice!

    How am I going to eat at all these great places when we visit?

    Gera - Thank you so much for tweeting this event for us! I'd love ice cream all year but it gets way too cold in Minnesota by November until about May. 8-( So I'll indulge as much as I can during this summer to tide me over. 8-)

    OPC - That's right! 8-D Thanks so much - I'm going back to your site for custard recipes to use!

  • Deeba PAB said...

    Oh TN...I love this post, everything about it. I'm going nuts over those nuts & want to make some ice-cream soon!!! YUM!!! Hope I can get an entry in!!!

  • Marta said...

    Lovely initiative, this ice-cream contest! I can't wait to see what people do, I don't have a machine, though, so no homemade ice cream from me!
    I do enjoy Brazil nuts, of course, and anything candied, so your creation is perfect!
    I wonder when it's our civic duty to eat brownies... November?!

  • Reeni said...

    I see that I've missed some posts - I'm not sure how! I'm so sorry!

    Brazil nuts are a big favorite in our house too. I love this ice cream with condensed milk! It's so thick and sweet and creamy - I bet this is just heavenly!

  • Deb in Hawaii said...

    I love my ice cream maker-will have to put my thinking cap on and come up with something--civic duty and all. ;-) Your ice cream looks delicious with the candied nuts.

  • The Beancounter said...

    i'm heading to the Phils in a couple of weeks time...hopefullyi get an opportunity to make my own concoction there!

    hmmm... can't wait!

    and thanks for letting oseas bloggers join!

  • Midge said...

    I've never really considered Brazil nuts for ice cream, but now you've given me a reason to try them out. I was thinking of blending in some cashew butter ripple for a Rainforest Crunch sort of vibe. :D

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    The in-laws were in town for the 4th of July so I'm finally catching up on the latest!

    Deeba - I'm so glad you liked this! Even if you don't get in an entry, just go and enjoy some ice cream for yourself! 8-)

    Marta - Brownies are a special calling! 8-) Please do come back to see what delicious treats everyone comes up with.

    Zerrin - Thank you! I love ice cream with candied nuts and wish I could indulge in it more often. What kinds of ice cream are popular in Turkey?

    Reeni - Oh, please don't apologize! I've been on catch-up mode myself for several weeks now. 8-) This recipe is so simple but I will have to challenge myself and try a custard-based one next time.

    Debinhawaii - I'm rediscovering the joys of my machine! Definitely start yours churning, my patriot friend! 8-)

    Sarah - Thank you! Ice cream and childhood memories are a great combo, aren't they?

    Kevin - Thanks! Your corn ice cream would be a huge hit in the Philippines where corn is a favorite ingredient in a 'halo-halo' (a dessert made with crushed ice and milk).

    Beancounter - Yay! I look forward to seeing what you come up with. And have a great trip - where in P.I. are you going? I'm jealous - my hubs and I want to return as soon as possible.

    Midge - That sounds sooooo good! I was trying to figure out how to do a 'ripple' or 'ribbon' effect in ice cream but candied nuts is about as complicated and original as I could get. Please share your technique with us if you're successful!

    Talita - Obrigada! My husband returned from his trips to Brazil with all sorts of dried fruits and nuts that we don't have here but I ate them all before I thought to use them in anything else! 8-( Now I have to wait until we can visit Brazil!

  • Admin said...

    Brazil nuts are so underrated. I love them! I buy them wholesale, 10 lbs at a time, and keep them in the freezer. I make smoothies, nut milk, etc., out of raw brazil nuts -- the possibilities are endless. And now you just gave me more ideas. Thank you. :)

    Would love to participate in the ice cream social (gotta perform my civi duty, ya know?), but don't know whether that would be possible with my upcoming overseas trip. If not, I hope you guys have fun. I'll check back in from the other side of the globe.

  • Lory said...

    This ice cream looks so good! It would be interested to make the base then add the nuts only in a small portion since hubby does not like nuts in his ice cream.

    I saw this post last night and I immediately thought of entering my ube ice cream that I just recently posted. However, it was already quite late and I had to go to work this morning (and tomorrow morning) so (1)it would take time to revise my post, and (2)knowing how my American in-laws are not even interested in this flavor, I hesitated to join in the contest (I am expecting very mild reaction from Westerners).

    But now that you have encouraged me, what the heck! I will enter my ube ice cream, at least for exposure of Filipino flavors into the Western culture of foodblogs, and just to join in the fun!

    I will try to make my revisions morrow night and will let you know when I have done so.

    Thanks for the invite!

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    Keep those ice cream entries coming! Or at least, indulge in it for yourself!

    Leela - I saw your enormous stash of almonds! Love Brazil nuts although I don't buy them often - except for this and eating them straight, I'm not quite sure what to do with them. But you're the one giving me ideas!

    Sounds like you'll be busy preparing for your trip so no worries about sending anything. Still, be sure to enjoy some ice cream in celebration. Let us know if you come across any unusual frozen treats while you're overseas! 8-)

    Manang - I'm so happy you've decided to submit the ube ice cream but take your time! This contest runs through the end of July so take your time. Thanks so much for participating (and I luv ube ice cream!)

    Foodcreates - Thank you! Had fun making and eating it!

    Pigpigscorner - Oh, please do! I haven't seen all the entries yet but I'm hoping we'll see some unusual flavors!

  • Daily Spud said...

    Hey ho, feels like I am in an eternal struggle to catch up on my blog reading! I think there must be some kind of rule that says if you leave the internet for a whole week, it will take a whole month to fully catch up. I think I will call it the Expeditus Rule of Exponential Internet Procrastination, with a nod to your friend and mine, good ol' St. Expeditus.

    Meanwhile, I think there is some other affliction that caused me to read "vivid and indelible" as "vivid and inedible". The less said about that the better I think!

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    Spud!! The EREIP is in full force with me: I have yet to recover from the summer class last month that took me away from blog-reading for 3 weeks! By your estimation, I won't be full caught up until the first part of October. Yikes!

    As for the misread, no worries! I had to re-read that same phrase several times to convince myself that I hadn't typed "inedible" - please, no Freudian slips!

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    Deeba - My co-hosts and I thank you! So happy you've enjoyed it!

    Spryte - I seriously used to fight with my sisters for the one or two Brazil nuts that would be in those mixed nuts containers! They have such an earthy flavor, I thought that sugaring them would be tasty. 8-)

  • Tina Parker said...

    This looks so delicious! :)
    All the ingredients in it look great-- and good idea to make this with Brazil nuts!
    You don't by any chance know a good place to find Brazil nuts, do you? I've been looking around online for these so I can make Candied Brazil Nut Ice Cream also. :)

    Really like the blog- thanks!!

  • Tangled Noodle said...

    Hi Tina! Thanks for the comment and I'm sure you'll enjoy this. As for finding Brazil nuts, I am quite pleased with the quality of those from Oh! Nuts, which I used here. There is a link above to their website. I have also tried their hazelnuts, dried figs and dates, all of which have been excellent.

    Otherwise, I have relied primarily on Whole Foods or local co-ops for good quality bulk nuts. Good luck on finding a source and hope you'll give this ice cream a try!

  • Sally said...

    Tangled: I will *definitely* be trying this.
    @Tina- I normally get my Brazil Nuts from NutsOnline-- I've looked a fair bit and they seem to consistently have the best prices.
    Lovely blog and post Tangled -- all looks really tasty!
    ~Sally

 

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