Blue Skies and Blue Ice Cream - What Summer Fun!

I'm sure many of you will agree that there's no greater pleasure on a warm summer's day than eating a cool, delicious ice cream!

In fact I actually remember many places that I've visited by association with a particular ice cream flavour that I ate whilst there. Here are a couple of examples:

La Rochelle in South West France - a wonderful, medieval French port with a stunning harbour, great restaurants and coffee shops. What do I think of when someone mentions La Rochelle? Pistachio ice cream! Here is the pistachio cone I ate on a visit to La Rochelle some years ago.

Pistachio ice cream cone

Le Puy du Fou in the Vendée - one of the world's best theme parks and it's all based on history. The spectacle at the Roman Amphitheatre is incredible ....

..........  but then so was the ice cream I had there! I queued to get this delicious violet ice cream cone.

Violet ice cream cone

Matching your ice cream to the location

It may sound a little crazy but you can actually go one step further with all of this. You can even  match the colour of your ice cream to your surroundings! I did this recently on a visit to La Flotte on the beautiful Île de Ré. It was a beautiful morning with a glorious, bright blue sky. So I bought a bright blue ice cream!

Can you guess what ice cream it is?
It's a mint flavoured water ice (sorbet) with chocolate chips. Unusual but refreshing!

If I had to pick a favourite it would be the pistachio. Its colour, texture and taste was superb. I even have my own pistachio ice cream recipe which you can try and make at home. You don't have to go to La Rochelle for it!

The Purple Theatre & Purple Ice Cream

What do you think about purple? Most people I know love it including me. It doesn't matter what the occasion or where I am if I see something purple I gravitate towards it.

One thing you might not have seen, however, is a purple theatre. So today I'm going to put that right and share this super photo with you sent to me by Susan who lives in London. Susan took the photograph last Wednesday 26 March from across the river Thames looking towards the South Bank. The building lit up in beautiful purple is the National Theatre in celebration of Purple Day.

Ever heard of Purple Day? If not, then I'm sure you will want to know more. Purple Day is a worldwide event which takes place every March. Its aim is to raise awareness about epilepsy. People all over the world dress in purple and stage events in support of epilepsy awareness. Apparently, last year there were even participants in Antarctica.

I think Purple Day is a wonderful idea for 3 reasons:

1. Epilepsy is currently one of the least understood illnesses in the world. As far the general public is concerned, most people have no or little idea of what it is and how it affects those who suffer from it. With a greater openness and awareness hopefully there will be a better understanding, less stigma and greater compassion and support.

2. Fundraising is much needed to support the help and advice which the various epilepsy charities around the world so readily give to people. Here are some of the charities' websites: 

Epilepsy Action ~ American Epilepsy Society ~ Epilepsy Foundation

3. I love purple!
This delicious violet ice cream cone I ate in France is something I won't forget :)

So if you love purple and would like to help raise awareness for epilepsy, make a note of Purple Day for next year. Like the National Theatre in London, you might just attract some attention, turn a few heads and help make a difference :)

Violet Ice Cream

Ice cream can be rich and delicious in so many ways - flavor, texture and color.

Violet ice cream is a great example. Look at this photo and you'll see what I mean. The taste was superb as well - I ate this myself so know what I'm talking about!

Violet ice cream is one of the more unusual ice cream flavors. You'll find more unusual ice cream recipes on my main website.