Fraises fraîches

Summer is almost here. Oh boy, I can feel it. It's almost 9th week and the quarter is coming to a close. What? No mental, emotional, hysterical break-downs? No underlying unsaid tensions? No 98-hr long days? I can hardly believe it. Where did these past 8 weeks go? I feel like my soul is itching for summer. Longing for carefree days when I can just wake up and feel the sun (and it's glorious UV rays) on my skin. This summer will serve as the threshold for change, and with so much change in the air, I feel a nervous and anxious excitement.

Of course summer means more than lazy-ing around and working on that tan (though really, not much more). . .it means fresh, bright, lovely fruits in season! One of my favorites -- the ever seductive strawberry :) MmMmmmmmM. So fragrant, prized, labored over, and sexy. You have to admit, compared to other fruits, the strawberry is probably the sexiest. Ever since Chicco unearthed my ice cream maker for sister's appreciation, paired with the prelude of summer weather, I have been going apeshit over ice cream recipes. My most recent attempt being a simple vanilla bean ice cream (divine, might I add) from David Lebovitz's collection. But this post isn't about that. It's about Strawberry Balsamic Ice Cream.
Oh my freaking God. As if real Balsamic vinegar from Modena Italy wasn't enough to make you cry, paired with sweet, ripe, summer strawberries & roasted in the oven until the juices overflow -- this combo is enough to make you do a little dance.








Onto the next part of my week I suppose. Although summer is nearing, unfortunately academic responsibilities have not yet waned -- despite my general attitude (one of apathy) towards the subject. I had a take-home midterm for my French theatre final that I had been putting off for a week and the day before it was due, I decided to lock myself in a café (I know, so torturous). I wanted to "inspire" myself -- did I mention this 6 - 8 page paper had to be in French? -- by sitting myself down at a French café. Perhaps the ambiance would influence and improve my horrid French grammar? This one you've probably heard me rave about. La Provence, the original pâtisserie on Olympic Blvd in Beverly. The new branch is located even dangerously closer to my apartment, in Brentwood. Open 8 am - late? I'm there. All the time, you can count on it. Giant macarons with delightful flavors (some even topping Paulette --> raspberry, pistachio, & rose to note ;)) and may I just mention. . . the most delicious strawberry tart. * gush * What really makes it is the chocolate they sneak between the custard and the crust. Studying isn't so bad after all. . .

Anna the notorious gluten intolerant foodie, decided to join me in devouring these almond confections.

Sadly she couldn't partake in this baby.
MOREFORME.

hehe.

I'm working on a lavender honey ice cream & a rose, & jasmine ice cream next week with Christine! Apart from these, what kind(s) of ice cream would you like to see made? ;)