It’s Food ‘n Flix time again! In this monthly group a host picks a movie of their choice that pertains to food. Everyone watches the movie and then makes a recipe which the film inspired. It can be any recipe you want. This month’s pick is hosted by Deb from Kahakai Kitchen and she picked an in theme Thanksgiving movie, Pieces of April.
I can cutting it short to the last minute on this one, it will be a short post, but I was inspired by an item on the foodie neighbor’s menu … with my twist of course … Maple Hickory Ice Cream with Buttered Pecans.
Pieces of April features April Burns, the eldest daughter in a highly dysfunctional family, who lives in a small tenement apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with her boyfriend Bobby. Although estranged from her family, she opts to invite them for Thanksgiving dinner, probably the last for her mother Joy, who has breast cancer.
The film focuses on three journeys: the family’s arduous trek from suburbia to New York City, punctuated by stops for Krispy Kreme doughnuts, bagels, and Joy’s frequent need for a restroom or a joint to ease her pain – to name a few; Bobby’s efforts to find a suit so he can make a good impression on his girlfriend’s relatives; and April’s preparations for the meal, a near disaster when she discovers her oven is broken. With the help of various neighbors, she manages to assemble dinner, while learning to appreciate the importance of family and making some new friends in the process. (wiki)
It was definitely a fun and light enough movie to watch. I never saw the movie but I knew food was involved, I just did not realize to what extent. This film will make my annual Food Film Marathon list for sure. One of my favorite moments is when April gets help to start of cooking her turkey and she asks what is on their menu:
…Nothing special this year. No. Sweet Potato Soup with Buttered Pecans…Herbed Oyster Stuffing…Giblet Gravy…Lemon Rosemary Green Beans…Hickory Nut Ice Cream…and Maple Pumpkin Pie.
Hickory Nut ice cream got my attention right away. I have never seen a hickory nut before and I knew I was not going to find any soon…but I do have Hickory Liquid Smoke! I was also tempted by the maple element of the pie. Oh and pecans! Yes there must be pecans. Apparently they are a good substitute for hickory nuts. Hence I came up with this Maple Hickory Ice Cream with Buttered Pecans. How did it taste? Think salted caramel but with a Hickory wood instead, it was a great match, definitely a keeper. I wish I added a bit more liquid smoke, once frozen the taste was a bit dialed down.
Maple Hickory Ice Cream with Buttered Pecans
Ingredients
For the Buttered Pecans
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp rounded sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Maple Hickory Ice Cream
- 3 whole large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
- 5 to 15 drops of Hickory Liquid Smoke
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cups buttered pecans
Instructions
For the Buttered Pecans
- Melt butter in a saucepan and add remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter is absorbed.
- Cool on a lined cookie sheet in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chop the pecans and keep a few whole ones to decorate
For the Maple Hickory Ice Cream
- Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until well blended. Set aside.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to a saucepan on medium heat, and bring to a light simmer.
- Temper the eggs by slowly drizzling about 1 cup of the hot mixture into the eggs, while vigorously whisking the eggs.
- Carefully pour the egg/cream mixture into the saucepan slowly, while whisking constantly.
- Cook, stirring constantly over medium-low heat, until the back of your spoon remains lightly coated.
- Refrigerate immediately, stirring occasionally during first 30 minutes, and cool completely for at least 3 hours.
- Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions and stir in nuts when transferring ice cream to a container.
Looking for more Southern-inspired recipes? Check out my other recipes below:
Someone gifted me a bottle of maple syrup which she brought from the USA. I used it for making granola bars. Seeing your yummilicious ice cream I am eager to try it out for making some ice cream.
I love that you buttered the pecans here—how it must elevate this entire experience!!
So unique and so lovely!If only I could have a taste.
This ice cream is total decadence!!! To hell with the meal, dish up dessert!
This is such a yummy idea. A little cold for ice-cream.
Look at those buttered pecans!!! my heart goes out for them :). Ice cream with a hickory touch!! so new to me. Must add this to the to do list. Pinned.
Hickory is such an interesting addition! Even though it’s ice cream, it must feel a little curling up by a fire.
That sounds amazing! I’d never think to use liquid smoke in dessert, but it has my mouth watering! Great choice!
How cute does this movie sound? I have to be honest and admit that I hadn’t actually heard of it before your post so thank you Eve!
What a fun ice cream! If it’s anything like salted carmamel with a maple twist, I’d be back with my empty bowl for seconds!
I am such an ice cream girl and this maple hickory ice cream is definitely up there in my book. Gotta make this.
Thank you all for your absolutely wonderful comments, I am touched.
I could not stop thinking about that ice cream when I heard it (and I have no clue what a hickory nut is). I love your twist on the recipe, I can almost taste it from here. Fun dish! 🙂
This has to be the most creative recipe for this month Evelyne!! You always amaze me.
I have to say that I wrinkled my nose a bit when you mentioned liquid smoke and ice cream, But, you’ve brought me around! Very creative!
I wish I was holding that bowl of ice cream now. It sounds and looks very tasty.
Very interesting movie and the ice cream, even though it is winter, definitely makes you want to take a scoop!
There was a chef who made white chocolate hickory ice cream. This seems like a better blend thanks to the buttery element of the nuts. Very unique!
G’day! Looks absolutely brilliant Evelyne! Wish I could come through the screen and try some now!
Congrats on completing the Food n Flix challenge too!
Cheers! Joanne
I love maple ice cream, and the smoky hickory flavor must complement it perfectly! This sounds all-around delicious.
This ice cream is a definite winner in my book–I am especially drooling over those buttered pecans and touch of smokiness. I was really hoping someone would outdo Eugene and his gourmet dishes! 😉
I’m glad you liked the movie. Thanks for joining in this month!