finding adventure | katelyn ryan: eckerts

Ruby's first ice cream cone at eckerts farms

Eckert's Farm is over across the river from St. Louis, in Belleville, Illinois. Our family loves to visit, because it has a little of everything, and there's always something new growing, or an event happening.

Our first visit was to one of their summer concerts last year, which included dinner at their restaurant. Since then we've picked apples, strawberries, blackberries, and today I am sharing with you our adventure in veggie and flower picking!

Also to note in this post, Ruby's first experience with an ice cream cone. Ice cream beard included.

Jordan was most excited about picking vegetables. Unfortunately we don't have much of a garden at our current house. We have giant trees that shade the yard and make it difficult for growing sun-loving veggies. But, that didn't stop Jordan from digging a whole in the middle of the yard to plant corn. While we're still waiting for a yield from our crop, so, it was nice to pick some yummy veggies from the fields.

The photo of Ruby getting ready to chomp down on the pepper. haha

She's always up for trying something new, although these days she spits it back out.

Looks like she approved of the pepper. Even this girl understands handpicked and fresh.

I could probably live in these flower fields. I went off to pick a handful of flowers on my own, while everyone else picked veggies. Jordan informed me that they were done for a while, while I was happily selecting my bouquet. I also have no concept of time.

family photo tip:

if baby is unhappy for photos, throw baby in air (make sure to catch baby, of course) and try again.

Eckert's frozen custard stand was a welcome sight after being out in the hot sun.

Ruby enjoyed her first ice cream cone and took it very seriously. She sat here on this bench quietly and licked her ice cream cone the entire time. We were really impressed with how well she did, almost like it's a family trait that we've passed down to her. She held it upright the entire time, like a pro.

serious business happening

just check out that ice cream beard

I think it's safe to say that Ruby thoroughly enjoyed her first ice cream cone.

I opted for a pina colada smoothie, which sounded incredibly refreshing. It didn't disappoint. Above is a photo of it next to the beauties I picked.

Thanks again, Eckerts for a lovely afternoon. We all left a sticky, tired, and happy mess.

If you missed my previous posts from our visit to Eckert's Farm, see those HERE

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, by katelyn

eckerts

how to | blackberry ice cream

Blackberry picking is not easy work. For starters, blackberries grow and ripen in the heat of summer, which means you have to go outside in the heat. It takes time. Time and care to pick the blackest, and sweetest of the blackberries. It's worth the hard work and the berries seem to taste better when you've picked them yourself.

It was over 100 degrees the day we picked blackberries. Ruby and I couldn't handle the heat, and were satisfied with the amount of blackberries. Not Jordan, he was dreaming of making blackberry ice cream. He stayed out even when we headed for a/c and filled up our basket so that the berries were almost toppling over.

He knew we would eat them by the handfuls when we got home and add them into our smoothies. And that's just what we did. He wanted to make sure there would be enough to make a big batch of homemade ice cream. We were able to keep them in the fridge a few days, but blackberries don't keep. You need to eat them quick, turn them into dessert, preserve them, or freeze them.

So, one late evening, when Jordon got home late from work, we decided that the time to turn the rest of the blackberries into ice cream had come. I already gathered the ingredients, he got out his ice cream maker, and we turned the rest of the blackberries into the most delicious ice cream.

It's by no means healthy, but it still feels light and refreshing. Next time I'd like to add just a little lavender for a little complexity.

Here's the recipe if you'd like to give it a try, and I highly suggest you do. Ice cream making is surprisingly simple. And you can exchange the berries for another type if you'd like. This makes quite a bit of ice cream, so cut it in half if you don't want so much.

Blackberry Ice Cream

2 c. milk
1 3/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. half and half
1 tbs. vanilla extract
4 c. whipping cream
4 c. pureed blackberries

Scald milk until it bubbles from around the edge of the pan. Remove from heat. Add sugar and salt. Stir until dissolved. Stir in half and half, vanilla, and whipping cream. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Add pureed blackberries to chilled mixture. Pour mixture into ice cream maker and follow ice cream maker directions. Makes 4 quarts.