August 6th is national root beer float day, and the perfect time of year to enjoy this cold confection.
The ice cream float made its first appearance in 1874. Robert M. Green was selling sodas during the sesquicentennial celebration in Philadelphia when he ran out of ice for the drinks. In haste, he asked another vendor for scoops of ice cream to keep the drinks cold.
The most famous float is known as the "brown cow" – a mixture of root beer and vanilla ice cream. However, there are many variations on the classic root beer float.
There are just a couple of things to remember when making a float: A tall glass is a must, and a long-handled spoon to get every drop of the goodness at the bottom of the glass. Add the ice cream first, then the liquid. It's much easier to avoid overflow this way. Don't forget a bendy straw.
For those who are on a limited sugar intake, there are plenty of sugar-free ice cream products on the market. Its texture changes when in liquid; it takes on an icy, crystal consistency. Fat-free ice cream also takes on an icy texture when in liquid but both still retain their overall taste.
Ice cream with a high-fat content works best for floats. Off-brand soda works as well as nationals brands.
Raid the cupboard when making a float – almond extract, rum flavoring, or mini-marshmallows are fun and add another level of flavor.
There isn't a real need to be exact with measurements when making a float – another reason to use them as a quick desert, and an excuse to have a lot of summer fun.
Try these three floats, and stay cool in the August sun.
Caramel Apple Float
apple cider
ginger ale
vanilla bean ice cream
caramel drizzle
whip topping
allspice/nutmeg
Add the top 3 ingredients in a large glass. The last 3 ingredients are to garnish the float
Tropical Float
pineapple juice
lemon-lime soda
vanilla ice cream
whip topping
sheared coconut
Add the first 3 ingredients to a large glass. The final 2 ingredients are to garnish the float.
Berry-Berry Float
raspberry sherbet
squeeze of fresh lemon (helps to cut down on the sweetness)
strawberry soda
More S'mores Please
August 10th is national s'mores day, and the American Girl Scout association can take some credit for the yummy creation. In 1947, the Girl Scout handbook featured a classic s'more recipe, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows.
Making a s'more is great fun on a camping trip with friends and family. However, they can also be made in a conventional or toaster oven. The ingredients are easily found in area grocery stores, and are generally inexpensive.
Over the years graham crackers have evolved, and most national brands have deleted high fructose corn syrup from their products. Store brands are comparable in texture, but not always in taste.
Chocolate graham crackers are delicious and offer versatility.
Other kinds of cookies can be used to make a s'more; sturdy cookies without a lot of sugar crystals on top seem to be the best choice.
Marshmallows come in many flavors, and some are coated in toasted coconut. They're great in theory and in taste, and have a tendency to burn quickly. They work best in a toaster oven preparation.
Jams, nuts, dark chocolate, butterscotch morsels, and dried fruit make terrific fillings.
S'mores are a nice alternative to cake and ice cream. If any are left over, store them in a cool dry container and reheat in the oven until the chocolate softens, and the marshmallows turn gooey.
For those who prefer savory treats and love fresh veggies, try using hearty wheat crackers, cheese, herbs, fresh tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes. Make a savory s'more for a light supper, and a sweet s'more for a palate-pleasing desert.
There are many variations on the classic s'more and trying them is only half the fun. Coming up with new recipes is the other half.
Strawberry Covered Chocolate S'mores
chocolate graham crackers
dark chocolate bars
strawberry preserves
marshmallows
Salted Caramel S'mores
classic graham crackers
crushed pretzels
caramel/chocolate morsels
Double Chocolate Mint S'mores
mint jelly
chocolate graham crackers
dark chocolate bars