“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” ~Edith Wharton
…as well as this Boozy Root Beer Float with No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream…but that’s just a small part of this story.
Hi, friends! For those of you who follow along regularly, you know that I usually post on Tuesdays and Fridays. I haven’t posted on a Wednesday in the longest time.
That’s about to change.
I’m excited to share some CCB news… Rather than my typical two days per week – I plan to post once a week, on Wednesdays. With the exception of a couple weeks that I’ve already committed to some companies, we’ll mostly be having happy hump days!
Why?
This decision is based on Mother Nature’s idea of balance…the felicitous ebb and flow that summer naturally brings…
With family travel plans and books to read and recipes to develop and projects patiently awaiting my attention, I want to take in the next few months with eyes wide open, completely focused on the one thing that is in front of me, whatever that one thing might be…a blazing sun, a final chapter, a winding bike path, a cute puppy, a blank piece of paper, a star-filled sky, a well designed post…you see where I’m going here…
I don’t want the quality of summer or CCB to suffer because I feel rushed to meet deadlines when all I really want to do is drink ice cold sangria on the balcony with my husband.
For me, this blog is nothing but joy. And like many things in life, the minute something feels obligatory is the minute the magic is gone. Who needs that?
So this pull toward ‘setting wide the window and drinking in the day’ is as much for me professionally as it is personally.
With our CSA beginning soon, I look forward to creating something fresh and new. Local, organic, whole foods taking center stage in my Italian dishes…
Of course, it wouldn’t be CCB without comfort food and desserts braided into the mix… I can assure you they will not go away.
Like this boozy root beer float, for example. I’ve had a hankering for a boozy-based ice cream-y dessert, like a shake or a float, for weeks. They seem to be everywhere these days. I got to thinking that it’s been a while since I’ve had a root beer float and wouldn’t it be fun to get my no-churn on and whip up a vanilla bean no-churn for frothy floats that are definitely not for the kiddies.
It was a good choice.
While shopping in Boston’s North End last week we stumbled upon the most delightful little food shop. With spices and herbs and pastas and oils that we don’t see everyday, I was beckoned to a large glass jar, tucked up against the cash register, filled with vanilla beans the color of black espresso. And when the young man behind the counter opened the jar, this bitty corner store was perfumed in a way that had me wishing I could inhale forever…I couldn’t walk away without a bean or two…
Those beans became the inspiration for and are the star of this ice cream.
Of course, once you’ve prepared the cream, there’s a wait involved. I recommend you leave it in the freezer overnight for a deep chill. And the next day, when you’re ready for dessert or a scrumptious snack, grab a mason jar or any vessel that’s to your liking, add a couple scoops of ice cream and pour a little hard root beer over top (we used Jed’s but feel free to use any hard root beer) and you’ve got yourself an evening.
My wish for you is that while you drink down the float, you drink in the day…
Saluté!
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
- 6 - 12 oz. Hard Root Beers
- In a large mixing bowl add the whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and both vanillas.
- Using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon ice cream into a freezer safe container. (I used a loaf pan lined with parchment.)
- Freeze overnight.
- Put a couple scoops of ice cream in a glass.
- Pour hard root beer over ice cream.
- Enjoy!
CIAO!
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
What an update! I totally respect and admire your decision–running a food blog (especially of CCB’s caliber) is a LOT of friggin work. Goodness. I love that line you wrote about focusing on the one thing that’s in front of you. *Sigh… I know exactly what you mean. In this day and age, there are so many forms of distraction, to-do lists, multiple jobs to juggle–it gets to be quite a bit. I love that you’re gonna scale back so you can keep the quality high and actually focus on your enjoyment of the process. 🙂 Loving this boozy root beer float. Looking forward to more quality posts on Wednesday! Big hugs to ya, Annie. Pinned!
Annie says
Thank you, my friend. I decided to “roll out the lazy, hazy days of summer” and leave the crazy ones behind…Do you know that song or are you like, “What?” It’s an oldie, but a goodie! Yeah – I’m wanting to slow things down a bit and I couldn’t be happier. Big hugs right back at ya! 🙂
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
I think your decision is on the mark. I believe we all work better without pressure and it seems like it is easier to be inspired. Now your boozy root beer and no-churn ice cream sounds and looks delicious! And I can imagine the wonderful photos you’ll be able to take whenever the feeling hits! Looking forward to hearing what you’re up to — ahem — that is what can be printed 🙂
Annie says
Hahahha- you crack me up, Marisa! Yeahhhh – this is a right move! Truth is, I think I’ll be inclined to pick up the camera more now, for other things, and hopefully get more savvy with the camera – one of my (many) goals! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
When I saw this ice cream on fb I was so excited to see the recipe! This looks unreal 🙂
Annie says
Thank you, Medha! We used a couple scoops to make milkshakes last night….Oh My! 🙂
sippitysup says
This proves the best “tricks” are NOT for kids. GREG
Annie says
Hahahaha! You got that right!!! Thanks, Greg!!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
That quote is something, Annie! Love it, and I understand your decision. We were thinking the same, to slow it down a bit, because when it becomes an obligation it spoils all the fun. You know I’ve never had a float, before. My husband every summer tells me “you got to try one!”, but I still haven’t. Guess this summer is the right time 🙂 . Gorgeous writing and pictures, as always!
Annie says
Exactly…I have felt that way from the beginning, I love it too much not to protect that feeling of joy I have with every post I produce! So your husband is right! You’ve got to try one!! Thank you, my dear! Have a happy day! 🙂
deb@glutenfreefarina says
Proud of you for making the decision to have a balance in life. I’m glad you didn’t say you were going away forever. Your work is too special and would be completely missed. And, this post hit all the right buttons with me. And, I love that ice cream scoop. Thanks and enjoy!
Annie says
Awh! Thank you, Deb! Oh my – I couldn’t go away forever! I love this gig toooo much!! This is just a small shift so I can soak up that summer sun a little longer! Thank you for your sweetness, my friend! 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Annie, you must have been reading my mind. I’ve been talking about scaling back to one post a week myself! Between my job and my website, I’m dang exhausted. When your hobby and love turns into an obligation and stresses you (me) out, it’s time for some reflection. I always find your words inspirational, but today more than ever. Good for you! Now about this float. You are a girl after my own heart with this perfect boozy beverage!
Annie says
I knew it!! 😉 So, there’s something to this because you and I are not the first to feel this way… It’s been brewing in me for a little while and it absolutely feels right. I’m looking forward to this small but important summertime shift! Thanks for your sweet words my friend! And I have to tell you, you were the first person I thought of while pouring! Have a great day!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Good for you my dear friend!! While I will miss your twice weekly posts, I admire your desire to actually live life! Plus I’m still going to be getting my fix of CCB once a week.. so I can deal. 😉 I hope this break brings you much joy, peace and plenty of ice cold sangria!! Now let’s talk boozy floats! Yaaahhhhs, girlfriend! We must be cut from the same cloth, because I have been craving them left, right and center! And I can’t wait to add this one to my decadent rotation! Hard root beer and ice cream speckled with vanilla = major swoon! Pinned! Cheers, lady! To you and a beautiful summer! Xoxo
Annie says
Oh yeah….I’m not going that far! Plus, this’ll give me a little more time to spend on all the other social media – so you might actually get sick of me! 😉 I tell you what – it must be boozy float season – everyone’s feeling the same way! Thanks, my dear! Xoxo
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Oh, YES! A boozy root beer float sounds like just what this warm weather is calling for. I adore this – perfect way to ring in the summer 🙂
Annie says
Yessss, that’s what I thought! Thanks, dear! 🙂
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
True story — I’m reading your post, and I suddenly remember I had a dream last night that you announced you were going to be posting less because you were becoming a fitness coach! It must be because I’m so impressed that you ran the 5K! Lol! Anyway, I totally understand and appreciate your desire to make room for life in person. Enjoy it all! And you had me at “boozy”…xo
Annie says
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!!! That is wild! I cannot believe you had that dream last night! Though I am definitely not cutting back this summer to be a fitness coach – hahahahaha – I love how you put…”make room for life in person.” Yep – that’s what it’s all about, my friend! Boozy gets me everytime, too! XO
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
I do tend to be on a spiritual wavelength with anyone I have a soul connection with. So, I got the fitness coach part wrong, but I guess I was close enough, Lol!
Annie says
I’d say you were close enough! I love that! And I get it, soul sister… xo
Mila Furman says
Annie… I think it’s great you are taking a break. Enjoy the summer while you can… I sure know it’s short here in Chicago!!!
And omg no churn ice cream is the greatest isn’t it?!? And those fresh vanilla beans!!! Yummmmmmmm
Annie says
Yeah, going from two to one post/week for the summer months feels right! Summer’s too short in CNY too – we have to be ready because before we know it – it’s done! I love no-churn! Maybe too much! 😉 Thanks, friend!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
Good for you, Annie! We all deserve some time to ourselves, time to reflect, time to enjoy life, and time for family. We’ll all still be here, waiting patiently for your Wednesday post 🙂
So now about this lovely drink/dessert – it’s been ages since I’ve had a root beer float (I think I was a kid) so I never got to indulge in the boozy variety – this has summer written all over it!
Annie says
Why thanks, friend! Exactly right! I’m excited to take a breath and enjoy the sunshine! And in the meantime – I’ll be reading and enjoying everything my favorite bloggers are offering up for summer! About this float – I hadn’t had one pretty much since childhood either! It was time to grow it up a bit! Enjoy!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Summer really is the perfect time to cut back and just enjoy the moment!
Especially if there’s a boozy root beer float involved every now and then 😉
Annie says
Oh, you betcha! I’d say there’s no better time! Thanks, my dear! 🙂
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Love hearing this Annie! You know, I post only once a week for several reasons, but this is one of the main ones… year round. I complain about not having three day weekends or shorter work weeks just because Rob is working so much and I miss him during the week. So the weekends are especially important for us to travel, lounge on the beach, hike, do home projects etc… posting twice a week wouldn’t allow me to have mostly free weekends. So good for you for making this decision! Plus, with a CSA coming along, you’ll have more time to experiment and have fun discovering all the new to you veggies! Hooray! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear of your adventures! Summer is looking good! xo And this vanilla bean ice cream? Sooo tasty and hello no churn! I have a boozy vanilla bean ice cream comin! Sooo good! xo
Annie says
Hi Traci! We are on the same page, sister! I’m excited for having made this decision. We have a few things going on this summer that would interrupt my normal flow of things and I thought to myself – why overextend? I want to enjoy every second that this summer has to offer! I can’t believe you have a boozy vanilla bean ice cream coming soon…see that – it’s in the air! Thanks for your kind words, my friend! xo
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cttage says
Yum! There’s nothing better than a root bear float accept a boozy one with vanilla bean ice cream ?. Beautiful photos to. I understand where you’re coming from, enjoy your time this summer! Get your pen and paper ready, sometimes when one takes a break inspiration comes flooding in and you’ll want to write it all down, lol. Take care.
Annie says
Ahhhh! Exactly right…there’s something about writing for ourselves that allows us a kind of freedom that I’m looking forward to exploring! Thanks for your kind words, my friend! 🙂
mira says
Such a great post Annie and very inspirational! Hope you have a great summer! I can’t agree more! It is the best time to take cake of yourself and enjoy the time with your family! I’ll also be posting less this summer, just not sure what days. These floats look perfect! Can’t wait to try this ice cream!
Annie says
I don’t think it’s unusual to slow it down in the summer…I come from the world of Education which means my body-clock is accustomed to a different pace in the warmer months. I guess I’m just feeling like it’s time to respond! I’m glad you are too, Mira! Enjoy, my friend! 🙂
Mir says
It’s important to stop and appreciate all that life has to offer. This should be nothing but joy. That’s what your blog gives me!
And Edith Wharton is my favorite author, too. I was just reading her this morning! No joke. Love her.
These floats are heaven!
Annie says
I love that you were reading her this morning! I’m feeling the need to experience summer so wholely this year…this is a right plan! Thanks, my dear!! 🙂
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
Hooray for you for taking care of you! This ice cream looks like the perfect thing to just relax and unwind with. I’ve never had a boozy float….but I think I’m about to give it a try! Now the real question is….can I limit myself to just one?
Annie says
Oh yeah…no better time than the lazy hazy days to slow it down a bit! Thanks, my friend! ‘That’ is the real question – I’d like to know how you do with that! 🙂
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
What a lovely quote, Annie! It’s nice that you are taking some time over the next few months to enjoy yourself. How many times do we just miss what’s in front of us or just enjoy the moment because we are focused on something else? Hope you get to totally unwind and relax and soak in every little joy 🙂 That food shop sounds awesome! I love when I stumble upon little gems like that and glad you got some inspiration from the vanilla bean to make this delicious recipe! Talk about just in time for the warm Summer months ahead. Perfect. Pinning, of course! Have a great upcoming weekend!
Annie says
Isn’t that a beautiful quote… Exactly right – we have a lot going on this summer and this plan feels right! Thank you, dear! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Summer is the perfect time to cut back and enjoy! You are so right too, the minute blogging feels like work, it takes the fun out of it. I admire you for doing something about it! Now onto these floats…WOW! I could definitely use boozy float this morning. It’s never too early, right? 🙂 I love your no-churn ice cream, too. Looks just perfect!
Annie says
It’s never too early! 😉 Yeah…you know, it just feels right. We have a lot going on this summer and I’m excited to spread the wealth! Thanks, Gayle! 🙂