Snow Ice Cream

I have always been an ice cream girl...vanilla. ice. cream.  Winter, summer, spring or fall, I love ice cream. On of my favorite memories growing up was that of my mother making snow ice cream.  She would bring a dishpan of fresh made snow ice cream out onto the front porch where we children were building our snowman...and hand out spoons.

 I know much of the country is socked in and here in the south we do not have snow very often, 

but I want to be ready when we do! 

 With a 4 year old who has not see much snow, 

I think this will be a favorite memory too....

1 large bowl of snow....about 10 cups

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all together and serve immediately.

that's all! 

So simple, so delicious...I think you will be surprised how it looks like traditional ice cream but tastes even better. 

Just be cautious when gathering snow, gather fresh clean snow. Don't dig too deeply and gather your snow from an area that is out in the open away from any bushes or trees. 

I like mine, plain vanilla, but you can add marshmallows or sprinkles. 

A fire is roaring in the fireplace so let the first snowflake fall. I am ready for a walk to the bridge and snow ice cream ! 

"The whole earth is full of His glory."  Isaiah 6:3

Magnolia Hill's First Snowfall

"Kindness is like snow- it beautifies everything it covers."

                                                                                                       _ Kahlil Gibran

  

Oh how I love winter and we finally had our first snowfall of the season here at Magnolia Hill. Until now, we had almost warm weather, but we were blessed not to have the "feet" of snow measurements like our friends on the east coast. This January snowfall left a beautiful coating of powdery white snow in the landscape.  Buddy likes to make an early morning walk around the lake. Here are some of his pictures....

 .

No footprints in the snow just yet, but the animals at the barn need to be tended

the flawless snow was wet and heavy on the cedar  trees

A thin layer of ice was beginning to form

The geese did not seem to mind the snow, but they were ready to eat their corn!

 A walk around the lake on the carriage road....no footprints....Not even the rabbits and squirrels were out this morning.

The reflection of the blue sky in the lake as it began to peak through the cloud cover.

  Buddy's John Deere waits for warmer weather

The 1948 Chevy has seen many a snowfall....

The  wooden bridge on the carriage road leading into the woodlands - it is spectacular view in any season.

The reflection of the sky and trees in the lake was breathtaking.

Looking over the bridge, the water is clear and cold.

We wonder what made these tracks...a rabbit?

A  towering White Oak tree and a swing awaits. Such beautiful trees deserve a prominent place in any landscape.

Even under cover, our delightful Packard got a dusting

 

A view from the highway and you can't see our circle drive at all.

A heaping warm pot of soup and fresh baked cookies awaited Buddy when he came in from the cold.

One of my favorite growing up memories  was that of Mother making snow ice cream on the front porch for all the neighborhood kids. When she started making ice cream, children seemed to magically appear.

One thing to remember is to gather fresh, clean snow! Don't dig too deeply and gather your snow from an area that is out in the open away from bushes and trees.

Snow Ice Cream  

1 large bowl of snow ( about 1 quart)

1 cup heavy cream

sugar to taste

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Beat the heavy cream, then fold in sugar and vanilla. Take a large bowl outside and scoop up the snow while it is still frozen.  Fold cream mixture into the snow.  Adjust the sugar and vanilla to taste, and your winter treat is ready to eat on the front porch. 

 Surely a memory in the making! 

It's no secret that one of my favorite things to do 

is to share a glimpse of our weddings with you.

For me- something that is key with a wedding

 is a simple elegance...Southern style.

There is a lake and a line of towering willow trees that are one of my favorite things about the altar area.

 The vintage stained glass doors create a soft visual  feel for an outdoor chapel. Getting married underneath our willow tree in front of family and friends...what could be better?

Even if it rains, we have the Big Red Barn. The walls are lined with  peely-paint red barnwood  that we salvaged from a torn down dairy barn.

 

Chandeliers, stained glass, a canoe, Italian String lights, horse and carriage, doves, a Chevy red truck, a vintage Packard 

and end the night with fireworks! 

Four seasons at Magnolia Hill...winter, spring, summer & fall...we love to share the beautiful setting. 

 

I hope you enjoy a glimpse of weddings here at Magnolia Hill.