I Dream of Dreamsicles!

Dreamsicle Ice Cream

I love ice cream and sweets as I’m sure you’re well aware if you’re a frequent visitor to At Home with Vicki Bensinger.  You might also recall that I write a column in a local St Louis, Missouri magazine called Uptown St. Louis.  In the July/August 2013 issue I wrote about my favorite all time summer dessert.  Depending on your age you may recall it as a “Dreamsicle,” “Creamsicle,” or “Push-Up.” Whichever one you had the pleasure of tasting, you surely remember it’s luscious flavor. 

In the July/August issue of Uptown St. Louis I set out to recreate the Dreamsicle.  Here’s my article, I hope you enjoy it.

In the event you’d like to save this recipe to your ZipList Recipe Box to recreate for yourself at home, I’ve included the recipe below.

Dreamsicle Ice Cream

Ingredients:

* 1 cup water

* 1 cup sugar

* Juice from 2 large oranges

* Zest from 2 large oranges

* 2 ½ cups buttermilk

* 1 Tbsp. orange extract

Directions:

1. Combine water, sugar, orange juice, zest, and extract in a small saucepan.  Gently bring mixture to a boil.

2. Allow to boil for 1 minute until sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat to cool completely.

3. Add buttermilk and stir to combine.  Cover and place in refrigerator for about 2 hours to chill.

4. Place chilled mixture in an ice-cream machine following manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice-cream machine do one of the following, by pouring the mixture into:

Push-Pop containers

* small paper cups topped with foil, then insert Popsicle stick through foil to hold in place

* place in a large plastic container with lid

5. Place in freezer until frozen.  Serve.

Note:  Orange extract contains alcohol which keeps the ice-cream from freezing solid.  If preferred, substitute with an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.

To release popsicles from cups set briefly in warm water.

Don’t have time to make homemade ice cream, but dying for a Dreamsicle?  Make a Dreamsicle Float!  It’s so quick and easy, you can have one every day!  Here’s all you need:

Dreamsicle Float

Ingredients:

* Tall glass

* Vanilla ice cream

* Orange soda

Directions:

Place scoops of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass, then pour soda over the top.

What’s your favorite childhood ice cream!