My sister, Jennifer, shared this perfect summertime recipe with me recently. Keep this frozen mixture in your freezer, and you can enjoy a frothy burst of citrus anytime you crave a cool treat in the heat of a summer day.
Creamsicle Slush
2 ½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice (5 to 6 oranges)
1 orange, zested
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup superfine sugar
1 bottle ginger ale, lemon-lime soda or sparkling cider
Strawberries and orange zest, for garnish
If you cannot find superfine sugar, place 1 cup granulated sugar in a food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds or until the granules are very fine. Put orange juice, zest, half-and-half and sugar into a blender and process until the sugar has dissolved, about 30 seconds. Pour this mixture into a shallow pan and freeze until hard, 4 hours or overnight. Remove the frozen orange mixture from the freezer, and let it sit to soften slightly, about 10 minutes. With an ice cream scoop, melon baller or tablespoon, scrape out scoops and drop into glasses. Slowly fill each glass with ginger ale, soda or sparkling cider, and serve garnished with strawberries and orange zest. Serves 6-12.
