Root Beer Float & Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Most people know how to make a root beer float, but using homemade vanilla ice cream takes it to another level.  I made these decadent root beer floats (based on the Clinton St. Baking Company Cookbook recipe) last weekend in celebration of Kansas' 150th birthday.  I used David Lebovitz's Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from his book The Perfect Scoop.  Honestly, I never go crazy for vanilla, I am more of a chocolate girl, but this ice cream is to die for.  Using fresh vanilla bean creates a more rich, complex flavor compared to store-bought vanilla.  See below for the Clinton Street root beer float recipe as well as David Lebovitz's vanilla ice cream recipe.

Rhubarb Crisp

Rhubarb is still going strong at the Green Market and I am still not sick of eating it. Tomorrow is the start of my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group so I am banking on some strawberries so I can begin my rhubarb strawberry combinations. Anyways, last weekend I made a rhubarb crisp. I love how old fashioned and simple a crisp can be. I also love anything that marries well with ice cream.