When it gets really hot, a most pleasant way to deal with the heat is with a good root beer and homemade ice cream. The root beer should be chilled to a few degrees above freezing and served in a frosted glass or copper mug. A rich homemade vanilla is scooped onto the root beer enjoyed while watching fireflies after dusk must be a good approximation of heaven.
I have only attempted to make root beer twice with disastrous results. Fortunately some excellent brands exist. I'm particularly fond of Virgil's.
http://www.virgils.com/
Root-Beer.org has some good resources to get you going.
http://www.root-beer.org/
I've gone through more than a few ice cream recipes, but here is a good basic vanilla that has been serving me well since grad school.
2 large eggs
3/4 c sugar
2-1/4 c heavy cream
3/4 c whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract (use a good one or make your own! - this is critical)
1. Whisk the eggs in a copper mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Whisk in the sugar in small batches and continue whisking until completely blended. Pour in the cream, milk, and vanilla and whisk to blend.
2. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn freeze.
(note - this is fairly rich ... you can make it a bit richer by using 2c hc and 1c light cream or a bit less rich with 2c hc and 1c milk. I guarantee this sort of experimentation is fun)
5:29:38 AM 
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