Boozy Ice Cream Delights: A Vintage Treat Revived
A Sweet and Spirited History
In the late 1800s, a decadent dessert known as Lalla Rookh took the world by storm. This indulgent treat consisted of vanilla ice cream infused with fruit flavors, hollowed out, and filled with a splash of booze, all within an edible candy cup. Today, we’re reviving this forgotten classic with a modern twist.
Riffing on a Classic
To create our version, simply fill a small bowl with vanilla ice cream, hollow out a small well in the center, and fill it with apple brandy. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. But don’t stop there! Experiment with different flavor combinations, like chocolate ice cream and orange liqueur or cinnamon ice cream and aged rum.
The Star of the Show: Calvados
At the heart of our Lalla Rookh is Calvados, an apple brandy hailing from Normandy, France. This rich, velvety spirit adds depth and complexity to our dessert. If you can’t find Calvados, any high-quality apple brandy will do.
Let’s Get Started!
Yield: 8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 20 minutes + 2 hours 15 minutes freezing time
Ingredients:
- 1 quart Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Calvados or apple brandy
- Freshly grated nutmeg, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soften the Ice Cream: Place the ice cream in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to soften.
- Stir and Divide: Stir the softened ice cream until smooth, then divide it among 8 small bowls. Freeze until semisolid, about 30 minutes.
- Create the Trough: Scoop out 2 tablespoons of ice cream from each bowl to create a deep well. Reserve the scooped-out ice cream for another use.
- Chill and Whip: Chill the stand mixer bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes. Whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour 1 tablespoon of Calvados into each trough, top with whipped cream and nutmeg, and serve immediately.
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