Apple Cider Floats

By Kelly Bogard

Here in Texas, fall can prove challenging in the kitchen. The erratic temperatures leave my inner cook totally confused. I keep a very close eye on the weather trying to figure out what meals will be right a few days at a time.

Snacks, however, are a completely different story. Being a Texas girl, I have a special place in my heart for Blue Bell Ice Cream. It doesn’t matter the flavor, as long as it has the gold lid. I even have a friend from Colorado who comes down every summer and eats it for every meal she possibly can. This week, I decided that putting a little bit of fall with one of my favorite treats was a great idea. A special thanks to my good friend Kristin for sharing this recipe with me. I promise I only made a few tweaks.

For Apple Cider Floats, you will need…
6 cups prepared apple cider
1/2 cup Red Hot candies
Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream
Caramel ice cream syrup

I have to tell you, this tastes like fall. The Red Hots add so much warmth to the already tasty apple cider. Adding the creamy sweet goodness of the caramel and ice cream just sends it over the top. Also, since it isn’t quite jacket weather yet, it makes for a tasty treat without the heat.

First things, first. Pour six cups of prepared apple cider into a large pot. I guess you could use brewed cider if you prefer, but to save time I prefer the bottled version. Go ahead and add the Red Hots, too.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally while it is heating up to help break down the candies. Once all of the candies have dissolved, remove from the heat and set aside to cool a bit.

Now it’s time for the ice cream. In a large glass, scoop one scoop of  ice cream into the bottom of the glass. Then drizzle with the caramel sauce. Repeat this process until your glass is about two-thirds of the way full. Pour the warm cider mixture over the ice cream and enjoy immediately.

This sweet treat is perfect for just about any fall occasion and is loved by kids and adults alike. It really tastes like apple pie a la mode in a glass.

We hope you are taking advantage of all the beautiful and wondrous things fall in Texas has to offer. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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Apple Cider Floats

Summary: Apple pie a la mode in a glass.

Ingredients

Instructions

Prep time (duration): 5 minutes

Cooking time (duration): 5-10 minutes

Number of servings (yield): 6-8

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