Rum Raisin Ice Cream

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Rum Raisin Ice Cream

Rum Raisin Ice Cream

The first time I encountered rum raisin ice cream was on the coast. It was a warm afternoon and a small vendor nearby was selling creamy, homemade ice cream. From the sheer amount of people vying for a scoop, it seemed only appropriate to do just the same. Scattered among the classic flavors were more unique tastes, including a caramel swirled rum raisin ice cream that looked so divine I didn't look twice elsewhere. As I approached the counter with wide eyes, a wad of dollar bills scrunched in my hand, I told the man exactly what I wanted. However, because it was made with real rum and I was still underage, the rum raisin stayed out of my twenty year old reach.

Sigh.

Rum Raisin Ice Cream

I walked away, dragging my feet on the sidewalk, with a simple waffle cone in tow—my consolation prize. Nevertheless, my rum raisin woes were quickly assuaged by the melting, chocolate ice cream in my hand. Ice cream often cures all sadness and woes; even those caused by ice cream itself. I've never met a situation that ice cream couldn't improve.

Still, I find it fitting that the very first time I would be carded would be for something so innocent as an ice cream cone.

Rum Raisin Ice Cream

This Rum Raisin Ice Cream is to make up for that doleful moment of my youth. This is for all of the underage, twenty year olds who have been turned away from ice cream cones. This is for those who need a little extra cheer. This is for those who need a reward after a long, hard day's work. This is for those who deserve a sweet treat for absolutely no reason at all.

This is for you.

Rum Raisin Ice Cream Rum Raisin Ice Cream

This Rum Raisin Ice Cream is everything I have dreamed (and more). Rum soaked raisins are diffused through a creamy, smooth ice cream (which has just a hint of rum itself). While it does taste delicious plain, I love to drizzle this ice cream with a warm, rich caramel sauce. I highly suggest you do the same. Rum, raisins, and caramel are a trio of flavors that, when combined, may leave you obsessing over them days (or weeks) later.

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Basic Caramel Sauce

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Basic Caramel Sauce

Basic Caramel Sauce

Everyone needs a basic caramel sauce—not only can it be used diversely, but it is adaptable. Though this caramel sauce is really quite wonderful without any alterations, here are just a few ideas for adding a little flair to this basic caramel sauce:

  • Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite fruit juice or cider to add a unique flavor to your caramel (I used an orange citrus caramel sauce for these tarts).
  • Increase the salt to one teaspoon to make a fabulous salted caramel sauce.
  • Add in half a vanilla bean (or one teaspoon vanilla extract) at the end for a vanilla caramel sauce.
  • Melt in a tablespoon (or three) of unsalted butter when adding the salt to make a rich, buttery caramel.
  • Mix in 1/4 cup of your favorite alcohol to make a boozy caramel sauce (dark rum is my very favorite addition).

The possibilities are really only limited to your imagination.

Basic Caramel Sauce

Once you have created a homemade caramel sauce, there are many ways to use it up (not that I need to tell you that). Nevertheless, here are a few uses off the top of my head:

  • Stir a tablespoon or two into hot coffee and add warm, frothed milk to create a homemade caramel macchiato.
  • Whisk a couple tablespoons into warm apple cider to create a sweet Caramel Apple Cider.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce on top of your favorite breakfast treats (like muffins or scones) to add a decadent twist to your morning.
  • Use as a dip for fresh fruit (especially apples!).
  • Heat up the caramel and spoon it over ice cream to create the perfect ice cream sundae.
  • Add a few large spoonfuls when making buttercream to give the frosting a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Drizzle over pies and cheesecakes to add a unique flair.
  • Spread on the bottom of a cookie and sandwich with another to create a caramel-filled cookie sandwich.

Or, of course, you can always eat it plain and by the spoonful. In fact, I recommend it.

Basic Caramel Sauce

This caramel sauce is smooth and creamy, with a hint of salt to cut the best of the sweetness. Both incredibly adaptable and multipurpose, it is a recipe you should have in your repertoire. While caramel is often considered "tricky" to make, I'd argue otherwise. As long as you devote your full attention to the caramel while it's cooking, it's hard to mess up. In fact, you don't even need a candy thermometer to make a perfect batch. I've added a couple tips below to help you during the process (and a quick fix if the caramel seizes up).

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Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

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Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

The rich spice of cinnamon and the sweet tone of sugar compose one of my nearest and dearest comfort flavors. As far back as I can remember, cinnamon and sugar have been a sweet force in my life. The flavors complement each other so well, becoming the Sonny and Cher or Simon and Garfunkel of the culinary world.

Growing up, my babysitter would feed me cinnamon sugar toast on cold winter afternoons, after I had trudged home from school in the snow. The hot toast with a layer of melted butter and the spicy crunch of cinnamon sugar warmed my insides and brought the life back into my cheeks.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

My mother makes a spectacular side dish out of white rice and cinnamon. A cross between sweet rice pudding and savory white rice, it is my favorite pairing to a grilled chicken breast. Nevertheless, the rice is creamy and just ever so sweet, with a thick sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Someday, I will be certain to share this treat with you, too.

Yet, cinnamon and sugar have found more subtle ways to pervade my life. My grandmother would coat her leftover pie crust pieces with cinnamon and sugar to make sweet, flaky cookies while we waited for the pie to bake. My mother grew up sprinkling cinnamon and sugar atop her pancakes, using a swirl of cream instead of maple syrup. I adore a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar on top of my morning oatmeal, making me feel as if I'm being decadent while enjoying a healthy meal.

That may be what I love most about cinnamon sugar—it's a sweet, simple way to bring decadence into everyday life.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

These Cinnamon Sugar Muffins have a very unique taste and texture. It's almost as if a muffin and a doughnut got a little too cozy in the oven and popped out a batch of these muffins. Made with a little whole wheat flour, it's fun to pretend these are healthy (as long as you ignore the fact that the muffins are dipped in melted butter). These are lovely for both breakfast and a snack (and sometimes for both of these moments in the same day).

With my love for cinnamon sugar, these muffins were bound to happen sooner or later. The same, I think, can be said for this cake.

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

These Cinnamon Sugar Muffins are sweet and addictive. The muffins, straight from the oven, are not terribly sweet but they have a fantastic spiced flavor due to a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. After cooling slightly, the muffin tops are dipped into melted butter and coated with cinnamon sugar. I love these plain, with no spreads or additives. Warm from the oven, these may very well be a small piece of heaven.

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