Are we ready for Christmas yet? Every fiber in my body is telling me to go to sleep. My feet yelled, “Have a nana nap, for God’s sake!” but I didn’t listen. There are people coming, blog posts to write, websites to support, carpets to vacuum, cookies to bake, laundry to wash, dog to pat and feed, dinner to cook and …life.
I know I’m not alone, everyone’s the same way except the food blogger who said she was all done her Christmas preparations the week before Thanksgiving. I refuse to remember her name because I don’t want to hate her. She’s sitting in her chair sipping eggnog and reading a book. I’ve never had a Christmas like that — Christmas sneaks up on me every year.
As I’m sweating my eyebrows off in the summer heat, I think about my sister in Rhinebeck, NY and my brother who’s spending Christmas with his little granddaughters near Boston. It’s cold, the Christmas lights come on at 5:30pm, there’s a whiff of real Christmas trees everywhere and it *feels* like Christmas. I can’t say I’m homesick because I’m truly not.
I miss Christmas in the winter. It’s just how it should be. I know all my Aussie friends think I’m nuts because for them Christmas has always been in the summer and Santa has always gotten beer and worn sandals.
Charlie was less than impressed with the cheap hat and scarf. He refused to look and the more I laughed the more he looked away. FINALLY, I said, “Would you like a piggy?” (That’s dogspeak for a dried pig’s ear) He still refused to look at me but he did change direction.
Today I made an Australian Christmas dessert that’s perfect for the 35C/95F temperatures we’ve got today. I made some shortbread in the Thermomix that took all of 30 seconds. The ice cream took a bit longer because I needed to make the custard and chill it before freezing.
I bought a new Cuisinart ice cream machine to replace my Nemox that lost it’s turner arounder. I should have bought a replacement part because I don’t like the new one as well as my Nemox. I might do that anyway just so I have a spare. You never want to be without an ice cream machine, right?
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 egg yolks
- 2 mangoes, peeled, seeded and pureed
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 mango for garnish
- In a saucepan on medium heat, add the milk and sugar and heat until nearly boiling (you'll see small bubbles at the side of the pan)
- In another bowl whisk the egg yolks for a couple of minutes.
- When the milk is hot and while whisking the egg yolks, slowly add a little bit of the hot milk to temper the eggs. Add a little more milk while continuing to whisk.
- Then pour the egg yolk mixture back in the pan and put it back on medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and the mango puree and whisk to combine.
- Refrigerate until cool.
- Whisk in the cream and freeze according to your ice cream machine's directions.
To serve, I crumbled up one shortbread cookie and put the mango ice cream on top with a bit of whipped cream and garnished with some mango slices.
- 100 grams plain/all purpose flour
- 50 grams rice flour
- 50 grams caster/superfine sugar
- 100 grams cold butter
- Put all ingredients into the Thermomix and mix on speed 6 for 10 seconds.
- Lock the bowl and knead for 20 seconds.
- Put into a greased shortbread mould and bake at 160C/320F for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and run a knife around the edge and turn out onto a board.
- Cut into serving pieces.
I would love to have a winter Christmas! It would be fun and novel.
This dessert is perfect for our warm Christmas season. The mangoes I have bought this year have been great. I can’t wait for the mangoes on my tree to ripen!
Charlie is so adorable! Love the close-up of him in the hat. Seriously Maureen, there’s so much to do that you hardly get to enjoy the lead up to Christmas as much as you want to. Mango ice cream and shortbreads…wow! Two of my favourite treats and that too together. How gorgeous!
This looks delicious. I’ve never thought of mango and icecream together.
p.s. Give Charlie a Christmas hug from me for being so adorable!
ok, first off, your dog is the cutest!!! and secondly, WHO finishes Christmas preparations the week before Thanksgiving?!!! WHAT?! that’s crazy talk . . I’m more of a fly by the seat of my pants. . use up every last minute kind of gal . . makes life more interesting 🙂 love the mango ice cream. . we need more ice cream recipes in december b/c ice cream is year-round!!! happy holidays!!
When I was in India, they used to serve mango ice Cream with shortbread, your recipe and pics made me crave it badly. I love my ice cream maker, it’s sort of my friend now, and thinking of replacing it makes me sad …. I’ve pinned your recipe and will try it soon 🙂
Okay, those are the cutest pictures of a pet in a Santa hat!!! And this dessert looks great; I will have to save it for the summer time 🙂 XO
Oh, mangos – now that makes for homesick for Oz – we grow a lot of stuff in NZ but tropical fruit isn’t one of them. Such a pretty dish Maureen – and I don’t envy you that heat:)
Growing up in Wyoming we always had epic white Christmases (at least that’s how I remember it) and I sometimes miss those times. When I imagine what Christmas is supposed to look like it’s those images that surface. I guess it’s those childhood experiences that really define the season for me. Nonetheless, we’re enjoying our mild temperatures right now in North Carolina and as long as the tree is decorated, the lights are up outside, and something is baking in the oven that says “Christmas” to me! By the way – Charlie looks quite dapper!
Love mango ice cream! But mangoes are one of my favorite fruits, so that figures. Charlie doesn’t look at all happy, does he? Party pooper. 😉 Anyway, want to wish you, John, and the Olds Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Charlie looks like a stuffed animal I’d put on my daughter’s bed in that photo! Let’s see. I’m avoiding cleaning the house, while I write this! And yes, I agree about warmer climates. We used to visit my folks in Phoenix over Christmas break and it never felt quite right without the cold. But the cactus that were decorated looked quite festive! Your shortbread are gorgeous! And mango ice cream is the bomb!
It’s sneaking up on me too. I’m so behind and overwhelmed I just feel like sitting on the kitchen floor and crying. I’m yet to start my Christmas shopping! I have to bring desserts to our Christmas Day gig at my sister’s house and I don’t even know what I’m making. I have to take something savoury to a carols by candlelight gig that’s on tonight and I have nothing organised. I have three blog posts ready to go but I haven’t done the photo shoots. And today’s a write-off because my sister and her family have just flown in from LA and she wants me to come over and visit. I plan to get things done but then life! Anyway…Charlie is gorgeous as usual and I need an ice cream machine xx
lol, Poor Charlie…how cute is he!!!!
A white Christmas sounds absolutely delightful. I would truly love the experience & all that it brings.
The thing is, you could organize that for yourself, but since the very essence of Christmas is sharing with loved ones, & I come from this huge family, how the heck do you win enough lotteries in time to get everyone installed into the snow on the other side of the world?
Ho! Ho! Ho! everybody :)) xx
I swear your beautiful Charlie reminds me of my doggy soft toy – his name is Biscuit 😛
I love your mango ice cream with shortbread, it is so typically Australian, I am dying to try it 😀
Delicious!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Hi Maureen, I’ve never finish getting ready for Christmas until Christmas, Charlie looks so adorable. Love this ice cream!
There’s a rumour that it might snow the night before Christmas. Right now, it’s just cold, gray and miserable and I haven’t seen any Xmas decorations in the downtown area to inspire me to get into the mood. I haven’t even decided what I’m making for Christmas dinner. I can just imagine how hard it must be to get inspired in the heat of Australia if you grew up in the Northern Hemisphere.
Mango ice cream … I made a mango-ginger version some time ago which was very tasty so I know yours would be great especially paired with shortbread.
Poor Charlie … I can just hear his little doggy brain mumbling to itself, “It’s humiliating what a dog’s gotta do for a warm bed, a full tummy and a few belly rubs.” He does look cute in his ‘inexpensive’ Christmas hat and scarf.
I know that if I lived in a ‘warmer’ climate than South Carolina for Christmas, I’d be thrilled . . . I’d decorate a boat, all of the palm trees, etc. and never miss a moment of cold! I hope you love your Cuisinart ice cream maker as much as we love ours! And mango . . . oh Maureen, with shortbread cookies on top! What a great idea!
Merriest of Christmases!
Roz
OMG, are you seriously trying to tell me that it’s Christmas already?! What? Well, that has really snuck up on me! My tree isn’t up, I haven’y finished shopping for gifts and those that are on my library floor are waiting to be wrapped. Heck, I haven’t even bought my ham. I have a busy day on Monday with a chest xray to check that I don’t have pneumonia again, followed by a hair appointment. Maybe I’ll get some time after those, in between going back to my GP. I suppose I sound totally bah humbug… your Charlie photos made my day…. as did this beautiful recipe. Seasons eatings to you and yours, darling friend.
How I wish I was sweating! 😉 Love your mango ice cream!
I’d be happy to be hot on Christmas, but I do think I’d miss the snowy pines just a wee bit. We’re heading to New Zealand on the 27th so we can experience a warmer New Year’s Eve. Wish we had time to hop over to Australia, too, but Nick has to get back to school. I’ll wave in your direction as we celebrate the New Year a little earlier than our American families! P.S. Your ice cream looks terrific!
Oh my gosh ! That Shortbread mold design is beautiful!! What a lovely post with your oh so tolerant Charlie. He really is the most patient and photogenic pup! Give him a good chin scratch from not so wintry North Carolina! I do hope you manage to rest and enjoy the Holiday soon! I trust there will be drinks and feet up for the boat parade?
You betcha! We had salads, meat pies, sausage rolls, cocktail franks, mixed nuts, pistachios to shell, wine, beer and more. No hard work! I had a fantastic night and the boats were lovely.
Oh, yum…I know this is good as anything with mango is delish. Your doggie is so cute! Merry Christmas, Maureen!
Nice and delightful colour of the mango matched with your shortbread! I will break some healthy-eating rules this season, that’s for sure!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Charlie is gorgeous in his hat and scarf. I’ve only had one hot Christmas when we went to Kenya. Some how it seemed all wrong. Like you I love the smell of the tree, the chill as the front door opens, the twinkling lights that go on at four as dusk draws in and mulled wine – fruity and warming. But tradition is a big part of Christmas and everyone builds their own wherever they are with family and friends. Have a very merry Christmas. GG
I know I’m not ready for Christmas! Mango ice cream is just purely Aussie perfect for the summer and Christmas.
We’re all chilly here, but I could still enjoy a big bowl of this mango ice cream with your shortbread! 🙂 Charlies looks so cute with his hat and scarf… he’s all ready to meet Santa. 🙂
Ready for Christmas, nah. Who is?. I think that Christmas definately belongs in the cold it’s what it is all about but we are used to seeing santa dressed up in woolies on a 38Degree day.
Charlie is just so amazing to look at and in temperament. Hope the boats go OK and look for ward to more of your preparations. Ice cream shortbread and mango????. Call me.
It’s cold today, and I feel like I could sure use a taste of the tropics!!! Really lovely presentation and I can imagine the flavors as being like cold but sweet sunshine!
That’s a bold idea – ice cream for Christmas. I’m sure the flavors are well worth it, despite the fact that we’re struggling with 5C at the moment. Gotta say I’m jealous on that weather.. and ice cream for that matter!!!
LOL lots of people make ice cream in the summer 🙂 xx Come on down!
Your recipes sound wonderful.
And your photos are adorable! Charlie looks so cute!
I think I like the colder weather better ( I live in KS ) — it gets hot here in the summertime! =)
Happy Holidays!
Your recipes sound delicious and I like your photos!
Happy Holidays!
You’re right Maureen. One never wants to be without an ice cream machine whether it’s Boston cold or not. Anyway, gorgeous looking ice cream and shortbread.
P.s.1. So glad to know – seriously – has a similar slew of tasks to accomplish before December 25!
P.s.2. Pinning your Santa Charlie…Wish my cats would stay still enough to model holiday accoutrement =)
Just as I was about to google for a mango ice-cream recipe you wave your magic wand! Thanks. LOL, we were talking this afternoon about how calm and refusing to get stressed about Christmas I’ve been the last couple of years and my family said it just wasn’t Christmas and they wanted me to go back to hating shopping, worrying about perfect finishes on things and no last minute panic stations. Just can’t win at times! I much prefer this me as I get to cherish others rather than see them as decorations of my expectations. Have wonderful Christmas. That Charlie boy sure knows how to pose doesn’t he?
Christmas is sneaky. Everyday before falling asleep I think how crazy it is that just 24 hours passed, it feels like a few hours only. Is time running away these days?
and yes I can’t get into the Christmas groove. It’s hot, it’s sunny, the air doesn’t smell like Christmas. I am sipping coconut water and it’s suppose to be Christmas? I thought I would get used to it but no… ^.^
I am going to save your cool mango ice cream recipe for June. =)
We tried Christmas in the heat last year and it didn’t feel like Christmas at all. I guess it is what you are used to.Charlie looks very handsome decked out in his Christmas clothes!! Your mango ice cream seems perfectly fitting for your nice warm temperatures. I actually am looking forward to some heat on vacation but after Christmas this year. I love your shortbread it is so festive and delicious for the holidays!! Happy Holidays!!
I thought it was only in San Diego that would see Santa in sandals and beer?! We are not roasting here, but it does get below 70ºF, which is cold for me LOL! Merry Christmas, Maureen. And my daughter saw Charlie’s picture and kept saying, “Aaaah! How cute!!!” : )
I must to tell the truth, Christmas sneaks up on me every year as you! Your shortbread looks terrific and the mango glace so refreshing !
I don’t have an ice cream machine – NO FAIR!! I should have put the Kitchen Aide attachment on my wish list 🙁 So jealous. But then, I guess it’s a balmy 27C here, not 35C. Who’s jealous now?
Charlie looks like he enjoys Christmas as much as Dozer does. i.e. not very much because it means getting dressed up involuntarily!
You can come to Scotland and enjoy the cold and I will head down under to enjoy that lovely heat 😀 Great recipe I love mangos they are definitely my favourite fruit. Charlie looked so cute 😉 Merry Christmas to you and your family 😀
mmm… I love shortbread and that mango ice cream looks really yummy.
I made this ice cream this afternoon. All seems good, test will be when my older son does the taste test! Very easy, might add a bit of ginger next time. Will let you know the outcome of a very harsh ice cream critic 🙂 Cheers, Maree
Thumbs up! Very nice indeed.