Experience the Magic of Dîner en Blanc & Master Our Dairy-Free Honey Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

What’s summer without a delightful scoop of ice cream? This luscious Honey Vanilla Ice Cream is not just any treat; it’s a velvety, vanilla-infused, silky-smooth indulgence, perfectly sweet and suitable for everyone. The best part? It’s completely dairy-free and egg-free, making it an ideal dessert for guests with allergies. Get ready to scream for more! (Skip to recipe.)

Before we dive into the creamy goodness of our allergy-friendly ice cream, let me whisk you away to a truly magical experience: Dîner en Blanc. Have you heard of this enchanting “Dinner in White”? It’s a global phenomenon, a highly elegant yet incredibly fun group picnic where thousands of participants gather, dressed head-to-toe in white, for an unforgettable evening in a stunning public space. Imagine an outdoor feast, a flash mob of chic picnickers, creating a breathtaking tableau of shared joy and sophistication. You can read more about its global presence here.

The Origins of Dîner en Blanc: A Parisian Tradition Spreads Worldwide

The story of Dîner en Blanc began over 25 years ago in Paris. French expatriate François Pasquier, returning home after several years abroad, yearned to reunite with his vast circle of friends. To gather everyone, he organized an impromptu picnic, asking each friend to bring another, and to meet at a specific, undisclosed location. To ensure everyone could easily identify each other in the crowd, he requested they all wear white. The event was an overwhelming success, instantly becoming a cherished Parisian tradition. What started as a simple reunion quickly evolved into a highly anticipated annual event, celebrated for its elegance, mystery, and communal spirit. Within just a few years, Dîner en Blanc expanded beyond the romantic streets of Paris, taking root in over 50 major cities across the globe. From New York to Sydney, participants now eagerly await their chance to partake in this unique celebration of friendship, fine dining, and cultural flair, transforming iconic public spaces into ephemeral white dining rooms.

My First Dîner en Blanc Experience in Edmonton

My fascination with Dîner en Blanc began after reading about it in a novel, Christmas at Tiffany’s by Karen Swan. I was captivated, immediately looking it up online to discover more about this extraordinary concept. So, when friends invited us to attend the inaugural Dîner en Blanc in Edmonton, held on a Thursday night, I was beyond thrilled! The anticipation was almost unbearable as I imagined myself immersed in this elegant affair. The rules are strict but contribute significantly to the event’s charm: attendees must bring their own folding table and white chairs, immaculate white linens, real glass and silverware – absolutely no plastic or paper is allowed. Every accessory, from decor to serving dishes, must be white and easily portable. This alfresco event proceeds rain or shine, so even rain gear must adhere to the all-white theme. Elegance and formality are paramount, with white hats, gloves, and even wigs highly encouraged to complete the sophisticated look. What an exciting challenge and a brilliant opportunity for creativity!

You can probably imagine Raymond’s (my husband’s) initial reaction when I first broached the subject: a resounding lack of enthusiasm, accompanied by a dramatic, “We have to wear WHAT?!” However, he’s a good sport, and I strategically kept him out of my frantic quest to hunt down his all-white wardrobe and our myriad of necessary accessories – I figured preserving his dignity might increase my chances of him actually attending! A few strategic trips to sales racks, diligent rummaging through thrift stores, and a stroke of luck in borrowing a couple of items later, we were both impeccably outfitted. His initial discomfort at resembling “the man from Glad” (a reference to the white-clad figure in old cleaning product commercials) visibly dissipated as we joined hordes of other white-clad picnickers congregating at our prearranged meeting spot. The sheer number of participants, all uniformly dressed, created a striking visual that immediately established a sense of camaraderie and excitement.

The Grand Reveal: A Secret Location Transformed

After linking up with our friends, we boarded rows of large white buses, each packed with eager participants, ready to be transported to the secret location for Dîner en Blanc. The reveal was spectacular: the lovely Chinese Garden at Louise McKinney Park, nestled along the picturesque river valley just below downtown Edmonton. As we arrived, the air buzzed with a palpable festival feeling, a delightful flurry of white as over a thousand chic picnickers set up long, elegant rows of damask-covered tables. Silverware glittered, fine stemware was carefully arranged, wine flowed, and picnic baskets were unpacked, revealing gourmet delights. We opted for pre-ordered boxed lunches, a convenient and delicious choice. The lively strains of a live band, playing French-themed music, filled the air, keeping our toes tapping and spirits high despite the ominous grey clouds and the imminent threat of rain looming above us. It was a scene straight out of a dream, a true testament to the transformative power of collective celebration.

And then, something wonderful happened: my reluctant husband, Raymond, fully embraced the spirit of the event. How could he not, with so much fun and laughter fluttering all around us? We found ourselves amidst a flock of elegant and fun-loving “white doves,” experiencing something utterly magical and delightfully out of the ordinary on a simple Thursday night in Edmonton. The communal joy was infectious, dispelling any lingering apprehension.

Even the repeated showers and the damp, cloudy weather couldn’t dampen the party atmosphere. Instead, they seemed to weave the twelve hundred white-clad party-goers into a cohesive, shimmering mass of happy humanity. Our shared experience of braving the elements together created an unspoken bond, an “umbrella” that kept our spirits dry, aided, of course, by the very practical plastic rain capes we had thoughtfully packed. Laughter mingled with clinking glasses, toasts were exchanged, chocolates were shared, and shared laments over the weather quickly transformed strangers into the best kind of tablemates – wonderful new friends for the evening. The temporary inconvenience only added to the unique charm and memorable anecdotes of the night.

In my excitement, and due to the constant donning and doffing of our plastic rain capes whenever the showers descended, I completely forgot to capture photos of our delectable and elegantly presented picnic lunches. It was a testament to how absorbed I was in the moment, savoring every aspect of the experience rather than documenting it through a lens.

Raymond and I decided to share two different gourmet menus to experience the full culinary range offered. One commenced with a refreshing chilled watermelon gazpacho, while the other featured rustic bread accompanied by two distinct zesty spreads. For our main courses, we savored a perfectly prepared Tuna Niçoise, featuring grilled, rare slices of tuna alongside sautéed green beans and new potatoes generously coated in a delicate mustard sauce. Our other main was a flavorful roast chicken complemented by a vibrant, zesty red quinoa pilaf. The desserts were equally impressive: a fragrant lavender honey pannacotta and a wonderfully tangy lemon tart. Each dish was absolutely deeeeelicious, elevating the picnic experience to true fine dining.

Throughout the evening, we were entertained by lively music, creating an energetic and joyous soundtrack to our dining experience.

To culminate our magical Dîner en Blanc, we all participated in a beautiful tradition: lighting sparklers in unison. Waving them together in the twilight, we created a shimmering, glowing spectacle that marked the perfect end to a truly memorable evening. The less-than-perfect weather faded into insignificance, utterly overshadowed by the collective joy and beauty of the experience.

I absolutely cannot wait to experience it all again next year. Dîner en Blanc is more than just a picnic; it’s an event that truly embodies elegance, community, and unforgettable memories.

*A fun anecdote from the night: Raymond and Gilbert even made it into a photo of the event in the Edmonton Journal! (They’re the two gentlemen at the front, in the picture with the – tsk, tsk – red and blue umbrellas. A slight deviation from the all-white rule, but all in good fun!)

Dessert en Blanc: Introducing Our Perfect Honey Vanilla Ice Cream

In honor of the elegant Dîner en Blanc, I present my own “Dessert en Blanc” – an ice cream so simple yet profoundly smooth, rich, and sumptuous, it’s destined to become your new summer staple. This is especially true now that the warm weather is upon us, calling for cool, refreshing treats. Did you know that vanilla is globally the most popular ice cream flavor? Its simple, delicious taste provides a universal comfort that few other flavors can match.

My version of this classic combines the timeless appeal of vanilla with the natural sweetness of honey, creating an ice cream that is subtly less sweet and wonderfully more vanilla-forward, a combination we absolutely adore. But its real triumph lies in its inclusivity: it’s entirely dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free. This means even family members or guests with common allergies can devour it without a second thought. And fear not, it tastes absolutely fantastic – not at all like coconut, despite using coconut milk as its base. Instead, it offers a pure, velvety vanilla experience that is exquisite on its own or as the perfect à la mode accompaniment to any summer dessert. While I initially thought I was a genius for this inventive creation, a quick search online revealed I wasn’t the first to discover the magic of coconut milk ice cream. Nevertheless, it’s a legendary recipe in our kitchen!

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Kitchen Frau Notes on Perfecting Your Honey Vanilla Ice Cream

The secret to incredibly smooth, creamy homemade ice cream, especially without egg yolks, lies in a simple ingredient: arrowroot starch. Adding just a tablespoon of this natural thickener helps prevent ice crystals from forming, ensuring your dessert has that luxurious, professional texture. For that distinct vanilla flavor and lovely visual flecks, nothing beats a fresh vanilla bean. One average vanilla bean, typically about 2 inches long, is roughly equivalent to 3 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. If you opt for extract, your ice cream will naturally have a slightly more ivory hue rather than the speckled appearance from the bean. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors! This versatile base is perfect for experimentation – try blending in pureed fruits like berries or peaches, or infuse it with other extracts like almond or peppermint before churning.

I must also sing the praises of my electric ice cream maker with its liquid-filled freezing canister. While specialized appliances can sometimes be a waste of space, this one is a true game-changer. I simply keep the canister in the freezer throughout the summer months, and whenever an ice cream craving strikes, whipping up a fresh batch is an absolute cinch. For me, it has proven to be a truly worthwhile investment, delivering homemade frozen treats with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Honey Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

(Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free – you’d truly never guess!)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14 oz/400ml each) full-fat premium coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
• ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 6 tablespoons (¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons/90ml) honey
• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare Your Ice Cream Maker:** At least 24 hours before you plan to churn the ice cream, place the canister for your ice cream machine into the freezer. It needs to be thoroughly frozen solid to work effectively.
2. **Create the Base:** Scrape the thick, creamy contents of *one* of the cans of full-fat coconut milk into a large, 2-quart saucepan. Whisk in the arrowroot powder and the fine sea salt until fully dissolved and smooth.
3. **Heat and Thicken:** Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent sticking, until small bubbles just begin to form around the edges and the mixture visibly thickens. Be careful not to let it come to a full, rolling boil, as this can sometimes cause the arrowroot to lose some of its thickening power (though it will still make delicious ice cream!).
4. **Sweeten and Blend:** Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Whisk in the honey until it is completely melted and incorporated. Then, add the remaining can of coconut milk and whisk vigorously until the entire mixture is smooth and uniform.
5. **Infuse with Vanilla:** If using a vanilla bean, place it on a cutting board and carefully slit it in half lengthwise. Using the dull, back side of your knife blade, scrape out the fine, fragrant vanilla seeds from each half. Ensure you scrape up any tiny bits of seeds left on the cutting board as well. Add these precious vanilla seeds to your ice cream base and stir thoroughly. If you are using vanilla extract, simply stir in the tablespoon of pure vanilla extract now.
6. **Chill Thoroughly:** Pour the prepared ice cream base into a clean container, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. A well-chilled base is crucial for achieving the best texture when churning.
7. **Churn and Enjoy:** Churn the mixture according to your specific ice cream machine manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, you can enjoy it immediately for a soft-serve consistency. For a firmer, scoopable ice cream, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours. If it freezes very hard, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier scooping.

This recipe yields a generous quart/liter of truly luscious, allergy-friendly ice cream that everyone will adore!

Guten Appetit!

We hope you enjoyed both the story of Dîner en Blanc and this delightful Honey Vanilla Ice Cream recipe. It’s a perfect pairing of elegance and simple, wholesome joy.

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You might also like these refreshing summer treats:

Cherry Ice Cream

Frozen Watermelon-Lime Ice (with a Tequila Option)

Cantaloupe Creamsicle Smoothie

Homemade Ice Cream Cake