“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!
OMG, is it real? Root beer and ice cream meet each other? What a fabulous combo! I would have never imagined of doing that, but I’m definitely trying this one this summer! Very cool, Annie!
You’re in for a real treat, my friend!! I think you’re going to love it! 🙂
It is pretty rare that I have a float, but when I do, I want it to be good. This looks perfect!
I hear you! It needs to be perfect! Thanks, friend!
Annie – I love how you do summer life! Here’s hoping you enjoy that “blazing sun, a final chapter, a winding bike path, a cute puppy, a blank piece of paper, a star-filled sky” and sangrias on a balcony – and speaking of enjoying, gosh, the vanilla ice cream with condensed milk and whipping cream looks glorious – making this one heck of a float!
Well thank you, sweets! I am so ready for the steady pace of summer…and more of these floats! 😉
I haven’t had a float in ages. These bring back some sweet childhood memories. They look amazing!
I love that… Thanks, Megan! 🙂
Is it already ice-cream season?:) Love how boozy and beautiful this float looks. And that addition of vanilla ice-cream is making it even more desirable. I so want this beauty in my life so badly! YUM! Have a great week!
Lucky us! It is ice-cream season! I’m sure we could make a case for it always being ice-cream season! 😉 Thanks, my dear!! You also have a great week! 🙂
Boozy AND no churn?! Talk about a total win-win!!
Yessss! I love when good things come together! Win-Win all the way! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Whenever I go somewhere I love to explore cities by going into fun little food shops like that. I could spend hours in places like that.
Hard root beer floats are always a good idea, and your no-churn ice cream is giving me serious cravings.
Enjoy your summer!
Oh my gosh, Amanda, that is one of our absolute favorite things to do! We lose all track of time in little shops like that, too! Thanks for stopping by with a kind word! 🙂
wow Annie, I absolutely love how this ice cream looks! hope you enjoy your time off Annie, it’s the right thing to do 🙂
Why thank you, Manali!! Have a great day!! 🙂
I think it’s fantastic you are slowing down this summer and enjoying yourself more away from the computer. My blog is starting to feel like work to me and it’s causing me to have writer’s block, not to mention no motivation. You know what would give me motivation? This boozy shake! When I was little, we used to watch movies at home on a weekend night and make “brown cows”. I might start that back up again but using your adult version! Yay! 😉
I heard a quote recently that said, “Sitting is the new smoking.” I believe that. I never smoked so I didn’t have that habit to quit…but I do sit (too much) – time to kick the habit! Enjoy your Brown Cow, lovely!!
I’m glad you’re taking some time to enjoy yourself, Annie. The time passes sooo quickly – I can’t believe it’s the middle of May already. So kick back and enjoy the summer with your husband and kids. I always look forward to your posts – whether it’s one day or two. And I love a good boozy drink and this one looks fantastic!
You know, it doesn’t seem like a lot but it will make a difference…I’m excited for the time! Thank you, my dear! 🙂
First of all, when I saw those vanilla bean specks in your ice cream, I wanted to dig into the screen and eat some. And second of all, once a week will still keep you active enough — that’s all I scaled down to and even doing that is sometimes difficult – like now. But you have to LIVE your life and enjoy your friends and family first of all. Your blog is secondary, as lovely and wonderful as it is.
Thank you for your thoughtful words, Linda! I so appreciate your kindness! Aren’t vanilla beans incredible? Those specks get my attention every time!! Wishing you a lovely weekend, my friend! 🙂
Loved your writing and idea to soak it all in and keep this a joy, not an obligation. I enjoy your writing Annie and will avail myself to once a week. Love this float and using real vanilla beans is so hypnotic to the senses. One of the greatest essences for sure. Cheers!
Thank you, Kevin! I so appreciate your kindness! Oh yes – this float is a doozy! 🙂
This ice cream looks amazing, girlfriend! Love that you used in a root beer float. I haven’t had one of those in a really long time!
Thank you, girlfriend!! ‘Twas a real treat!! 🙂