Homemade Ice Cream Cake

Recently we had some very dear friends come visit. They stayed in our house with their sweet boy and we just hung out for a couple of days. After they left, I told Jeremy how much I appreciated that they took me at my word when I said "Make yourself at home," because they did. They ate what they wanted, used up the hot water when they showered, and allowed themselves to become completely comfortable. I loved it. I love that they just joined in our family and willingly gave and took. I loved it because that comfort in our home is based on a mutual comfort in our relationship. She's the kind of friend where you pick up right where you left off, you say what you need to, love each other despite seeing our worst (we were roommates - I mean, come on). It's what I wish there was more of in our world and our community. I don't like over-politeness. If I say, "Help yourself," I mean it. If we say, "We got it this time," just say thank you. If you say, "We'll do the dishes since you cooked," ok. If you need a ride, I'll come get you, and it's not a big deal. It's what we do for each other.

I'm not always good at this, but I want to be. I love having friends you are possibly-just-a-little-too-comfortable with. I love not feeling like you have to tiptoe or over-exude with each other. I think that's the kind of relationship Jesus had in mind.

I guess maybe it's a variable thing. Maybe not all relationships need to be quite so comfortable. Maybe you have to reach a point of trust first. But I don't know. Maybe we'd reach a point of trust a lot faster if we stopped painting on the fake. Anyway, I'm grateful for those friends.

The day after they left was my husband's birthday party. He loves ice-cream cake, but man is it pricey. I still owe him an ice-cream cake cupcake from Dairy Queen, but for the big party I make this every year:

Homemade Ice Cream Cake

~12 Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches

~1 jar chocolate sauce

~1 jar caramel sauce

~1 large tub cool whip, thawed

~1 small tub frozen sliced strawberries (thawed before making the cake)

~sprinkles

In a 9 x 13 baking dish lay a layer of 6 sandwiches. Spread half the jar of caramel sauce evenly on top. Next, spread half the jar of chocolate. Dump the strawberries into a strainer and drain any excess liquid (this step is only necessary if you, like me, could only find frozen strawberries in liquid with sugar added). Layer all the strawberries on top of the chocolate layer. Spread half the tub of Cool Whip on top. Another layer of sandwiches, then the sauces, then the rest of the Cool Whip. Top with sprinkles and freeze until ready to serve.

A couple tips:

Work fast - ice cream melts! Leave the sandwiches you aren't using in the freezer until you are ready. I generally make this the day of the party. Once the cake gets rock-frozen, the strawberries get really hard. So if you can make it a couple hours before serving, the temperature and texture will be perfect. But don't worry - no one will complain about the leftovers, even if the strawberries harden.

Also, this is a "springboard recipe" - make it how you want it. Use butterscotch syrup or only chocolate. Leave out the strawberries if you don't want them. Try different flavors of ice cream sandwiches. Shave candy bar on top instead of sprinkles. Just be sure to enjoy!