Food for Thought

WHIPPIN’ UP SOMETHING SWEET

BY EDDIE ARRIOLA

FAMILY & MWR SPECIAL EVENTS

For those who truly know me, I am a bit of a procrastinator. I’m currently writing this column two days before it’s due to my editor. For three weeks now I’ve been telling her, “I will get it to you Friday. and honestly this may just sit on my computer for another three days.” I’m telling you this because I’m a firm believer that my best ideas and work come from pressure.

This quarter’s Food for Thought started with an idea for handheld apple pies, but I just couldn’t find the motivation for that idea. So, I changed gears and went with the simplistic recipe of ice cream cake. This became an idea I could stand behind and it piqued my interest. So, even though I don’t advocate for procrastination, this time it worked out for the best.

This recipe requires three things, ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, and whatever toppings your creative mind can come up with. For my cake I decided to decorate with M&M minis, Kit Kat bar, and caramel topping. The best thing about all of this is I spent less than $15 and it can easily feed 10 people or three hungry children! You start by putting a layer of ice cream sandwiches in a pan or container, preferably a rectangular one. You can approach this in one of two ways, single or double layer. Start by adding a layer of whipped topping followed by a thin layer of caramel in a zig zag pattern and then another layer of ice cream sandwiches. Sidenote: I did this and I regretted it after talking with my coworkers who provided a food review. If you feel a second layer is too much, feel free to stop at one layer. Finish off your funfilled dessert with M&M minis and Kit Kats, either crushed or whole. Add a drizzle of caramel. Then put it in the freezer until you’re ready to eat. This is a recipe that can be done by yourself or with family. Adults will love it, because it can be done in five to 10-minutes; and children will love it, because you they can eat the chocolate when their parents aren’t looking

— wink, wink. Now as I said before the only two items that are truly necessary are the ice cream sandwiches and the whipped topping, the decoration is up to you. Feel free to mix and match as you please. The original recipe that I saw called for crushed Oreos and chocolate syrup, but I decided to be a rebel and go for my two favorite candies.

So, try your own fun combinations, you may become the creator of something unique for others to enjoy. Mix fruits with chocolate, use icing to draw creative masterpieces, or just a simple a heart made of kisses for that special someone. This is your chance to create your own form of edible arrangement. The sky is the limit with this one and it’s the perfect recipe to show off your creative talent.

I am a diabetic and unfortunately, I couldn’t try this myself, but that didn’t stop me. I decided to create a memory and share this with people who have inspired me to try something new with this cooking journey. I brought this delicious recipe to my work family for their opinions and to give everyone a break from the computer screens. The dessert received high praise with only one critique was that one layer of ice cream sandwiches would have been enough.

Again, I wish I would’ve stopped at one, but that’s just not my style. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simplistic and can be done by everyone. Whether you like to finish things in a timely manner or you procrastinate like me, the finish product will turn out amazing, because you took the time to make it for the ones you love.

So, stop procrastinating and start your own food journey! You never know what memories you will make with the people in your life who truly matter, but that’s just “Food for Thought.” EDDIE’S INGREDIENTS - 12 pack Ice cream sandwiches - 8 ounces of whipped cream - 1 sharable size of M&M minis - 2 king sized Kit Kat bar - 1 squeezable bottle of caramel