Sundaes for Grown-Ups
This week my mind has been solely on champagne and cake, as I prepare for a party I’m throwing for my sister and brother-in-law’s milestone anniversary. So my Happy Hour at Home for this weekend is going to focus on something a bit different.
Sometimes it’s not a cocktail you crave at the end of the day or week but something else, something comforting or rejuvenating in its own right. As you are well aware, spirits don’t always have to be consumed in beverages. Oh no - there are many other ways to incorporate them in our daily lives!
For this week we are simply going to use a sweet, flavorful spirit to elevate an already tasty dish. In this case think of this as an ice-cream sundae for grown-ups!
I topped a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream with Praline Liqueur and then added some chopped pecans to echo the theme. You don’t need much of the liqueur - a little will go a long way - so start with a bit and add more if you need it. Right after I took my photos and had a couple bites I decided that the dish would benefit from a bit of chocolate sauce, which I added and recommend that you do too.
In choosing what spirit you use on your ice cream, let your imagination guide you! I especially like the nut-based liqueurs, this Praline Liqueur is an example but Frangelico would also be great. Other good alternatives involve berries: Chambord; Loganberry Liqueur; and Framboise, for instance.
And, of course, your ice cream flavor may vary, too! Think of a little orange-flavored liqueur over a deep, rich chocolate ice cream and topped with candied orange peel.
So this weekend let your imagination be your guide and combine your “cocktail” and “appetizer” into one bowl. And if you really feel the need for a beverage, just let the ice cream soften until you can swirl it around a make a shake of the whole thing!
