"Little Ice Cream Girl"

Lemon ice cream in February - VERY "seasonal" - if you live where lemon trees grow, as I did in Bakersfield, Ca.  We had a huge lemon tree with HUGE lemons!!!  I miss that tree so much.  When I needed a lemon - and I use lots of lemons - all I had to do was go outside and pick one.  It was always a "bummer" when lemon season was over and I had to actually buy some, and remember to do that. 

So what does this have to do with the Guild House?  Well -  Guild House   is  a most unique treasure.  It's a first class restaurant that serves gourmet lunches and special events.  The significant thing is that it's run by all volunteers (and it takes many volunters!) and the profits go to support the Henrietta Weill Guildance Clinic - a non-profit, outpatient mental health center for children and families.  I was a volunteer there for almost 5 years, and I know how hard these people work!!!  Cooking, serving, cleaning, keeping up the old Victorian Home that houses the restaurant  - and doing a little bit of partying along the way . . . and providing incredible support to their fellow members.  
 
Sooooooo??   Here's the connection - Guild House has one of their favorite recipes in The Art of Cooking Calendar 2010 - Lemon Ice Cream Melba!!  I made the recipe - it's delicious!  When thinking of what to paint, I loved the idea of a little girl eating ice cream.  And the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemon ice cream!"  The children at Henrietta Weill have had some lemons in their lives.  The counselors help turn them into "ice cream."  And Guild House folks help to make that possible.

Volunteering at Guild House was one of my most special experiences in Bakersfield - and in my life.  That's a beautiful group of people, giving so much to help others.  I miss them - and I cherish the memories.  You can "volunteer"  too!!!  Have lunch at Guild House and help make some "ice cream!"