Best Strawberry Ice Cream Evah

I used this recipe. It has a very deep, rich berry flavor, and I'll bet this method would work great with a number of other fruits.

The recipe calls for three-quarters of a cup of sugar, but I used half a cup and it's plenty sweet. I also left out the rosewater, 'cause where the heck do you find rosewater?

This or That?

I've been wanting to upgrade my art collection for some time. I have a few wonderful original pieces, but also plenty of mass-market prints in Target frames. I like them, but it's (way past) time for something a little more grown up.

West Elm has several works that caught my eye, and a couple of them would look great in my office:

The office is black, white and gray with touches of pink, so either one would work beautifully. The abstract is on sale and would be more versatile, but I'm really drawn to the flamingo. It just makes me smile.

Any thoughts?

Antique Store Score

I picked up this little beauty at a store downtown not too long ago:

Then I found this on Pinterest--almost an exact match!

Mad Men Season 6

Did you watch the season premier of Mad Men last night? Shhh--don't tell me what happened. I won't get to watch it till Tuesday! These pics will have to tide me over till then:

Mad Men Season 6 Episode Photos: Photo Gallery

Meyer Lemon Pudding

And you thought lemon season was over around here. Not quite. There are still a few fruits left on the tree, so I was excited to find this simple Meyer lemon pudding recipe. It all came together in less than half an hour. My only quibble is that the recipe didn't say how long to stir, so I kind of guessed -- I'd say it took about 10 minutes, though I didn't time it.

I used a tiny bit more lemon than the recipe called for. Next time I make it (and yes, there will be a next time), I'll use less sugar. Husband's reaction: "Whoa, that's sweet." Sweet.

Rosie

We had an unexpected overnight guest this past weekend. Very sweet and well-trained. I'm happy to report that she is back with her family.

Happy Valentine's Day

Smooch is here to wish you a happy Valentine's Day. Show some love today!