Think Pink!

We have so many celebratory options in October it seems it is not even funny. Any type of celebration you want seems to be available in this month which kind of makes it really awesome. If I be brutally honest, it should be a holiday month. Do tell the board of education that 😉

But seriously, let’s see, do you want…

  1. A scary movie marathon? – Halloween
  2. To stuff yourself like there is no tomorrow? – Thanksgiving (admittedly not for all countries, Australia included, but I go along with it anyway ;))
  3. To have a night to let loose – Octoberfest

See? A month to celebrate what you want, where you and even when you want 🙂

But there is one very important part of this month which is slightly overlooked and while it is not perhaps the most fun, wild or crazy one, it is the most significant without a doubt.

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October is the month to think pink, support pink, and basically, get your pink on to encourage awareness of breast cancer. We all know cancer in general, is one of the most unfair illnesses in the world. But the number of women annually diagnosed with breast cancer has increased dramatically all over the world, though I statistically speak solely from an Australia view.

Imagine how any woman or man would feel. One day simply relaxing. The next day feeling sick, getting lumps and being diagnosed. It happens in the blink of an eye which is what makes it even scarier illness.

We. Need. To Get. Rid. Of. It.

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I wish I had a fairy godmother who could suddenly wish it away and bring back smiles to so many sick people who deserve so much more. Everyone does. But unfortunately life doesn’t work like that but we, as humans and mortals have the knowledge and resources to do the next best thing. The ability to invent something, somehow, which will send it away forever.

It may not happen quickly but I have full faith that it will happen someday 🙂

Here are some Australian stats (Source) for you all that we can all aim to get rid of – it will happen, if we all try for it, it will happen right! 😀

  • 14000 women and 105 men are diagnosed annually
  • More than 2700 women lose their lives each year

IMG_2311Good news is: Survival rates have improved – all the contribution to this cause is already making a difference so if we improve upon our efforts, just imagine!

To think pink and feel the pink spirit of October, I made the creamiest vanilla ice cream ever made in existence but topped with pink magic shell topping (you know, the one that goes *crack* when it hits ice cream). 🙂

A spoon for all you brave battlers, past and present and hopefully not future.

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Vanilla Ice Cream
Source: Le Cordon Bleu – The Original Masterclass: Desserts

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 5 egg yolks
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 375ml full cream milk
  • 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways
  • 1 tbs vanilla essence
  • 125ml thickened cream

Method:

  1. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until thick and creamy in a heatproof bowl and almost white
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  2. Bring the vanilla pods, bean and milk slowly to a boil in a heavy based saucepan
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  3. Gradually whisk the boiling milk into the egg mixture quickly and then transfer the mixture into a clean saucepan
  4. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over low heatfor 3-5 minutes or until the custard thickly coats the back of the spoon (do not let boil otherwise it will separate the mixture)
  5. Pour through a fine strainer into a clean bowl. Place the bowl in some iced water to cool. When the custard is very cold, stir in the cream (and the essence) then pour the mixture into an ice cream churner for 10-20 minutes or until the ice cream holds its own shape
    IMG_2262
  6. Remove and freeze in an airtight, steel container for 3-4 hours or overnight
  7. Serve with gorgeous pink topping 🙂

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Pink Magic Ice Shell Topping
Source: Original recipe

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbs butter/copha (vegetable shortening)
  • 28g white chocolate
  • Few drops pink food colouring

Method:

  1. Microwave butter and chocolate together until melted and smooth
  2. Stir through enough food colouring to give a pink tinge
  3. Drizzle over ice cream and let the magic happen!
    IMG_2287

How else better to enjoy when you know you are not only making yourself happy? Share with everyone and spread your support 🙂

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139 Comments

  2. thelady8home says:

    What a beautiful post Uru! I lost my Ma-in-law to breast cancer. Never got to meet her. It had left a scar in the family that is so hard to fade. Thanks so much for this post, and I too wish for that fairy God Mother of yours to make an appearance in reality..maybe she will.

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  9. The Wimpy Vegetarian says:

    What a great reminder! I’ve had several friends now be diagnosed and every one of them now celebrates their good health. The outcomes have indeed improved, but it’s a long, hard path to get there through all the treatments.

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  17. Daisy@Nevertoosweet says:

    I agree that we really need a cure for Breast Cancer 😦 so many women have it and my own grand mother is a survivor.

    Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to host any Breast Cancer charity events this year, usually I will host a breakfast or bake to raise money.

    Your ice-cream and pink melted chocolates looks AMAZING!

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  20. Parsley Sage says:

    Cayman takes Breast Cancer Awarness Month deadly serious. We’ve got a packed calendar of events and the island raises over $150,000 a year for patients and survivors 🙂 I’m forwarding your brilliant magic shell to the folks at the Lion’s Club of Tropical Gardens (they’re the event organizers) because after all that work, they could use something sweet!

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  23. jen laceda says:

    My mum-in-law is a breast cancer survivor! I think more women (and men) are openly aware of the struggles of cancer. It is a horrible disease that I don’t wish on any one! This is a reminder for us all to stay healthy, be vigilant, get yourself checked, and at the same time, live life to the fullest! Pink is beautiful. Pink is strong!

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  24. Tisa says:

    Good reminder of pink. Yes, we need to get rid of it!! But on a lighter note-I love magic shell ice cream toppers- never really knew this could be attempted at home :-/ Thanks for showing me this gorgeous one today.

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  27. Hotly Spiced says:

    Good on you for bringing attention to such a good cause. I’ve been to quite a few funerals for wonderful women who have had their lives cut short by this terrible cancer. More needs to be done not only in treatment but in finding out the cause xx

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  30. gourmetgetaway says:

    You are so clever to make a custard based ice cream!! I am in awe! I have never done it because I am worried about making sweet scrambled eggs instead :0!

    What a great story to help raise awareness of breast cancer )

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  31. Nami | Just One Cookbook says:

    Your vanilla ice cream looks delicious. What a great pink dish! You are very creative making chocolate into pink for this awareness! Great idea!

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  42. Terra says:

    Sorry I haven’t stopped by in awhile, I hope you are well! My hubby loves magic shell, but since I am not a huge fan of chocolate, it is not my favorite……so you totally have mine attention with strawberry magic shell:-) Your ice cream looks so delicious! Hugs, Terra

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  48. applec says:

    We’re fortunate to have so many people and teams and events focus on breast cancer. October is truly a great month and… I just love seeing those massive football players wearing pink 🙂

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  49. Nancy @ gottagetbaked says:

    Wonderful post, Uru, in honour of this solemn month. Thank goodness more people are living longer with cancer due to medical advances but there are still far too many people getting diagnosed with it and dying from it. Your ice cream looks so creamy and delicious and that pink shell topping is lovely.

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  53. girlinafoodfrenzy says:

    Pink shell, (ooo!), fresh vanilla flavours and wonderful sentiment. So much to admire especially the cause. Looks wonderful and no doubt a wonderful tribute, I can’t think of anyone who was never cheered up by icecream!

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  56. Saskia (1=2) says:

    Thanks for raising awareness about breast cancer CCU. I have a friend who is a survivor. I had no idea one could actually MAKE that cracking topping! I only ever buy copha for chocolate crackles. Great to know there is another use for it!

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  59. bitsandbreadcrumbs says:

    What a great post, a terrific looking ice cream, and a wonderful way to spread the word of curing breast cancer. I think we all know someone, if it isn’t ourselves, who has been touched or has this disease. Thank you for reminding us that October is a pink month!

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  64. kalamitykelli says:

    Excellent post! Very mature for a young firl like yourself. But there is ONE fun thing about October – and PINK – MY birthday!!! 🙂 Yay!!

    Love the the ice cream and topping – Strawberry is almost my favorite – just behind hot fudge!

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  67. Juliana says:

    Nice pink topping for the homemade vanilla ice cream…looks awesome and tasty 🙂
    Very nice post and yes…a very important issue…breast cancer awareness.
    Hope you are having a wonderful week 🙂

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  75. Kailey says:

    Thanksgiving is complete when your belly feels like it will burst 🙂
    Breast cancer is just heart breaking – the women who make it through have SO much strength!

    Wish I had an ice cream maker because home made ice cream taste pretty darn delicious, if you ask me.

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  76. Jorie says:

    Looks so great, Uru, and I love the idea of making it pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. You’ve got a really kind, compassionate spirit, just one of the many reasons this blog is a joy to read.

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  78. dianeskitchentable says:

    A wonderful post my friend & it’s thoughtful of you to help remind people that we still need to make more progress. I lost my mother to breast cancer and appreciate how supportive women are of others going through this horrible disease. I’m a 6 year survivor myself (not breast cancer though) and can tell you that we have come a long way in beating many of these cancers, but still need much much more.

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  81. Brittany says:

    Ohh good lord this ice cream looks perfect!! My mama had breast cancer back in 2005. They found is early enough to get it all out and she is alive and well!! Thank goodness, and I continue to keep good thoughts going for her!

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  83. kiran says:

    October is filled with awareness, and I am so glad young blogger like yourself truly sees the importance to highlighting cancer awareness. Early detection is the best cure!

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  84. Baking Gypsy says:

    Great post, Uru!!!! It’s awesome of you to raise awareness! Together we can get rid of this awful disease and someday live in a world free and clear of it.

    Your ice cream looks pretty and delicious.

    Toodles,
    Tammy

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  90. viveka says:

    Every 3 people of 10 will get cancer in the Western world – scary figures and it has nothing to do with if anyone has it in the family or not. It will hit us somehow … a friend, a family member or ourselves. Cancer is something that only happens to others until it happens to you. It happen to me .. and it’s a tough and rough journey and it will be for the rest of my life, because of all the side effects of my treatment. So don’t let us fight just 2 cancers .. we have to fight all.

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    • Choc Chip Uru says:

      You are inspiring my recounts actually brought tears to my eyes but it is your attitude we need to instill in others to help beat this cancer and all cancers once and for all! And I will come up with a lilac ice cream for it 🙂

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru

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      • viveka says:

        I suppose blue berries or black berries will do the job, especially blue berries – and there is no pips in them neither, less job.

        I’m sure that you will come out with something great and calorie free.

        Yes, I really think it’s poor that they can make the pink month and pink day to a lilac – because doesn’t matter what cancer – people will die … and all the children that get cancer.

        Thanks for the support of cancer – and looking forward to the lilac ice cream.

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  93. Bam's Kitchen says:

    Thanks for the gentle reminder CCU. It is that time of the year again we can all be proactive. That lovely pink magic ice shell topping is very interesting. I have never seen a recipe for it before… I am sure there is a way we could adapt this and make it chocolate too, right?

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  94. Saguna says:

    Your ice cream looks so creamy and lovely- whenever I try to make ice cream at home it turns into a sort of block of ice, definitely need to try it again I think! Yes, we should all definitely raise awareness for ending cancer- it’s an important cause and it is so scary that we never know when and where it will strike. Such an awesome post, CCU!

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  110. apuginthekitchen says:

    Love the master recipe for the ice cream and beautiful pink shell topping, hoping in the very near future this horrible disease is eradicated completely! Nice post and fitting homage. Here’s to a cancer free future!!

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  116. Tina @foodfortina says:

    I better get myself an ice-cream maker soon 🙂 I’ll sadly have to stick to the other method of mixing it all and freezing it. Have you tried Viet Coffee flavoured ice-cream before, because I love that stuff haha 🙂 I really like this recipe, thanks for sharing!

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  118. petit4chocolatier says:

    One of the most beautiful posts I have viewed! A wonderful tribute to a horrible cancer.

    I am an ice-cream lover and this looks so luscious and I love the pink topping!!!

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  120. Veronica says:

    I’m thankful that breast cancer doesn’t seem to run in my family. The only one who has had it is Den’s aunt Dorothy and she beat it, thank God. I have done the Komen walk and put her name on my back in support of her. I also did a breast cancer birthday party last year. Thank you for supporting this by keeping the matter in our minds with your post and with the lovely pink magic shell. My husband loves that stuff. 🙂

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  123. daisyandthefox says:

    your so right – it is such a terrible illness – so sad :((

    but on the bright side, as a fellow ice-cream lover – that looks amazing!! and the topping – mmmmm mmmm mmmmmmmm – need a say more?

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