Hi there, Ann Kelly in Kelly’s Kitchen with a dilemma. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s just me…but I’m starting to feel like I’m getting into a cuisine rut. You know we have our favorite recipes, and sometimes it’s just easier to grab something quick when you’re in a rush trying to get the kids to the game, or you’re just plain tired after a long day at work. Me too! But I’ve made myself a promise. At least once a month, I’m going to try a cuisine or a food that I’ve never tried before. How can I make “that” face when someone offers me a taste of something I’ve never tried before because I have a preconceived notion of what it’s going to taste like?! That happened at the last Abilities Wine Tasting. We were visiting each of the restaurants on site, and when we happened to stop by the fresh oyster selection, my immediate thought was no way. But I did, and wow, have I been missing something! It was absolutely succulent, and I could just kick myself for not trying them sooner. So the next hurdle will be learning to cook Thai; I’ve had it out with my friends Alicia and Steve, but never tried it at home. So I’m looking at recipes, and this weekend, I’m going to “Thai one on” in Kelly’s Kitchen!

But I do have the dessert portion of the program all ready to go, as we start to wind up the final week of National Ice Cream Month, by awarding a free half gallon of Blue Bell ice cream every day to one especially great kids photo with the perfect ice cream smile. You can still send those to me at 949comments@coxtampa.com. That latest face is Tyler Thomlison, who is about to become a big brother! Congratulations to Gresly Marie and Kenny Thomlison, who are expecting their new son September 12th! Don’t forget that the latest flavor from Blue Bell – Dessert Trio – is only available for a limited time. They have absolutely redefined indulgent with their signature vanilla ice cream loaded down with chocolate chip cookie pieces, chucks of pecan brownies, chocolate covered cake pieces, and to hold that all together, a lovely, rich chocolate sauce.  Life is good!

Words of Wisdom from Kelly’s Kitchen:  

“He was a bold man who first ate an oyster”  Jonathon Swift