I'm Back with Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream.

I had to take a leave of absence while I took care of some things I needed to do but I am ready to share with you again! I thought it would be a great way to begin the summer by dusting off the ice cream maker and trying out a new recipe. The little one and I recently shared a pint of Haagan Dazs pineapple coconut ice cream that was absolutely yummy, so I thought I'd try making my own batch.

Overall, this is a great recipe but I will probably tweak it a little bit just for our tastes. If I add the coconut flakes next time, I will probably cut it in half and I may try crushed pineapple instead of the tidbits just to get a more even pineapple flavor throughout. If you love a chunky ice cream, add the whole cup of coconut flakes. Otherwise, if you like a creamier, less chewy ice cream then you might want to omit the coconut flakes altogether. Either way, it is still a trip to a tropical island and who can say no to that? Especially on a hot summer day! It would be delicious served over grilled pineapple.

Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream

• 1 Cup Whole Milk
• 1 14oz Can Cream of Coconut (found in the alcohol isle)
• 2 Cups Heavy Cream or half and half for a bit less fat
• 1 Cup Sweet toasted coconut flakes (optional)
• 1 8oz Can pineapple tidbits, drained and pat dry with a paper towel.

Combine cream of coconut with the milk and mix together well. Stir in the cream, pineapple, and, if desired,toasted coconut flakes. Pour everything into the canister of your ice cream maker and freeze following manufacturers guidelines.

Easy and delicious!

Stay tuned later this week for a homemade toothpaste recipe, and more...

Petroleum Free Vapor Chest Rub

It's that time of year. With everyone back in school and temperatures wavering between hot and cold, runny noses and coughs abound. My little one has had ongoing congestion and a cold that has hung on for some time. He had a night time cough that was keeping him up, but I didn't want to use the traditional drug store chest rub on him. The smell is too strong and the ingredients less than ideal. So I whipped up a batch of homemade, petroleum free chest rub for him and he slept like a little baby.

The rub only requires three ingredients and smells so much nicer than the standard vapor rub. The coconut oil base is also a great nourishing moisturizer for the skin. Since the rub has a less overbearing smell, you may have to reapply after a few hours. But it is well worth knowing what ingredients you are smearing on your kid's skin.

*Do not use in children younger than 2 years old.

Coconut Oil Chest Rub

1/4 c. organic virgin coconut oil
20 drops eucalyptus oil
10 drops lavender oil

Mix thoroughly in a resealable glass jar. Apply under nose, on chest and back, rub a little on your temples, or on the bottoms of your feet to relieve a cough. For ease in applying, allow to re solidify by placing in a cool area of your home.

I like the lavender because it is a sleep aid. You could also add about 20 drops peppermint oil to ease congestion as well.