Fresh Raspberry Ice Cream Soda

Here I am, breaking my own rule. I'm posting a recipe here that I haven't actually tried out yet, yet what could go wrong with something that sounds so delicious? Living here right on the buckle of the Bible Belt as we do (however temporarily), it even sounds just the tiniest bit sinful, and I'm all for that!

1/2 gallon very good vanilla ice cream

2 cups fresh raspberries

1 bottle (750 milliliters) champagne

Fill 6 tall soda classes two-thirds full with alternating layers of ice cream and raspberries. Fill the glasses to the top with champagne and serve.

This comes from that old family favorite cookbook: The Nine Seasons Cookbook, by Pat Haley. They sure must have had fun out there in the New Hampshire woods while they were writing this book.

The recipe allows as how some might want a non-alcoholic version (substitute ginger ale for the champagne); and suggests that you might want to try this drink again when other fruits are in season (strawberries, peaches, nectarines, or cantaloupe).

Hey, Bucksnort has some cantaloupe ripening in her garden. Maybe we should test some variations this afternoon...