Happy Friday 6/20/25
"'Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about"
- John Mayer
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We spent a few days this past week in Cook Forest in a rental along the Clarion River, and though we were all so disappointed by the flooding waters and colder-than-average temperatures, we were so glad to spend some time away together. We managed a few great hikes (including one we took a mile too far in the wrong direction: sorry kids!) and a record newt-count, a completely rain-soaked trail-hike and way too many s'mores. And since we didn't get the usual time in the water (due to flooding), our kids are already demanding another trip for a day of kayaking and floating. We love Cook Forest (I wrote more about it here) and I can't wait to share about our newest favorite hike we discovered! We learned a few important lessons, but one I won't forget: June is just too busy for our sports-loving, gelato-shoppe-owning, dairy-farming family. We're more of July people when it comes to even local getaways. Phew. Live and learn, though!
Alas, as soon as we returned home, the weather is shifting just in time for the summer solstice. I'll never complain about sunshine, but we're gearing up for some HOT days in PA. And accordingly, we've adjusted our gelato menu to suit! Let's get to this week's flavor list:
Parent Trap: we couldn't celebrate the summer solstice without this classic summer flavor! Our creamy peanut butter gelato is filled with crushed Oreo cookies in celebration of the movie, The Parent Trap and the famous snack combination! "Oh I love Oreos, at home I eat them with peanut butter!"
Lemon Blueberry Lavender and Lemon Blueberry Lavender Cake: the former is a gluten-free version without the cake, that's all! It's a lemon gelato with a scratch-made lemon lavender cake (or without, if gluten-free) and a blueberry lavender compote. It's a pop of fruity and tart and floral flavors I can't wait for you to experience! I'd love your feedback on this one, because I know it dips into a unique flavor profile.
White Mint Chip: our classic creamy peppermint with a hint of vanilla and finished with chocolate flakes. The temperatures are to reach ninety degrees this weekend, so we had to create this refreshing, cooling gelato!
Dark Chocolate: my personal favorite. Rich, chocolately and full of chocolate! Dutched cocoa powder, Ghiradelli ground chocolate and chocolate flakes with a hint of sea salt round out this super chocolate gelato!
Sea salt caramel: such a favorite. Salty caramel swirled into our classic base.
Creme anglaise: classic vanilla bean: an always-available flavor.
And we're scooping on summer hours:
We're ready for you with a flight, a waffle cone or a cup of your favorite gelato flavors this weekend.
Now, for my favorite links + finds from this week:
- 100 Summer Activities to Make the Most of the Season.
- A sequel to this hilarious movie from my childhood.
- I've used the recipe for hand-pies and the galette from this collection of berry recipes and can't wait for fresh berry season!
- I finally caved on a thermal printer and I couldn't love it more! No ink! You need thermal paper but so far, I've loved its simplicity and the included phone app to make printing on the go so seamless. And for the price? I wish I would've bought it sooner.
- It turns out, owls can swim!
Have the best weekend.
We're so glad you're here,
Lisa