I talk about my mother on here from time to time, but my Dad has been lucky enough(until now that is) to avoid being featured on the blog. I get my love of baking, being in the kitchen and entertaining from my mom. However, it was my dad who really introduced me to a variety of foods. He still claims to this day the worst thing he ever did was introduce me to avocados because now when I am home we fight over them(we even arm wrestled once for the last one in the house).
One time on one of our many “life lessons”, my father made my brother and I pile into the car and we went and saw a horrible movie, I want to say it was called King of the City. I remember very little about it except for the hooker who had a razor blade under her fingernail and killed her “John” in the car with it. A truly uplifting movie as you can see. We then drove around the slums.
Next week we got all dressed up and went to a fancy restaurant where I got to have my own lobster(up to that point it was only bites of people’s plates). We then drove around the really nice neighborhoods with the million dollar homes. When we were done my father said to us, “You have seen two extremes of how you life could turn out. What you do with your life is up to you and how you want to live it. Just know that your actions have consequences good or bad.” I decided getting to eat lobster was a much better option than being a hooker who killed people with razor blades.
He sat there and lived through my mixed drink phase. I wasn’t drinking them, I was obsessed with making them. Truly bad cocktails. Things with cantaloupe and whiskey and what not. He was always nice and drank them…cringing only slightly. I got introduced to the exciting world of Slow Gin Fizz, which just so you know does not go well with peanut butter no matter how long you run the blender for. Though I must say my Bloody Mary Avocado was a hit.
One of the more memorable foods that he introduced me to was that of the Creamsicle. I, up until that point, chased the ice cream man down to get a Bomb Pop(I miss those). One day when I had done the dirty work of running down the street after the ice cream man my dad came strolling along behind me to pay. He decided to treat himself too. He got a Creamsicle. He of course seeing me eye it, gave me a bite. And then he was pretty much screwed. I knew I wanted that way more than my red, white and blue popsicle. And so my 7 year old doe eyes won out and I got to eat the Creamsicle. Orange sherbet being my favorite at the time, this treat was unbelievable to me. All the flavor of the sherbet but with a amazing creamy flavor.
My parents will be coming out for a visit in a few months to see the new house. Usually either my mom cooks my favorite meals or we go out to eat. This time though since we are in the house I am going to make them a meal. I have been trying to come up with desserts to make. I found a recipe for a Lime Bavarian that looked good but immediately it got me thinking if I could make it into Creamsicle form…and I can…and did. It is really more vanilla flavored with just a scent of the orange but it was heaven to my tongue. It has an amazing mousse-like texture that just sings in your mouth. It’s most definitely what I am making for my dad when he comes.
Creamsicle Bavarian
2 medium oranges
one packet powder gelatin minus ¼ of a tsp
zest of one orange
2 large eggs
1 vanilla bean
1 TBSP confectioner’s sugar
¾ cup whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¼ cup plus 2 tsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt
Overnight: Slice open vanilla bean and scrape out seeds. Throw seeds and the leftover bean pod into a medium saucepan. Add whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream. Whisk to distribute vanilla. Simmer on low for 10 minutes. Place vanilla milk into an air tight container and refrigerate overnight.
Grate the zest from one of the oranges. Squeeze the juice from both oranges into a small bowl along with the zest. Sprinkle powder gelatin over the orange juice. Do not stir.
Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a medium bowl and reserving 1 of the egg whites in another medium bowl. Whisk the egg yolks with the 1 TBSP confectioner’s sugar until thoroughly blended.
Take the vanilla milk from the refrigerator and remove the bean pod. Add ¼ cup granulated sugar to the mixture. Place back into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove pan from heat ans whisk a splash of the mixture into the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in the remaining hot liquid, then return custard to the pan ans whisk over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
Strain the custard through a chinois or fine-meshed sieve to remove any lumps of egg. Whisk in vanilla extract, then transfer the custard to a clean bowl to cool. Set the bowl in a larger bowl half willed with ice water. Whisk the custard every minute for 3 minutes. Whisk in orange gelatin mixture until fully incorporated. Continue to cool in bowl for another 2 minutes. Remove bowl from ice bath.
In an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the remaining 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Remove from the mixer and replace with the bowl containing the egg white. Beat the egg white with the salt until it is white and foamy, then whisk in the remaining 2 tsp granulated sugar, one at a time. When all of the sugar has been added, increase the speed to high and beat the white until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Fold the egg white into the custard, followed by the whipped cream. You will want to whisk in 1/3 of the whipped cream in order for it to fold more easily. Pour mixture into 6 chilled ramekins or tea cups. Chill the Bavarians in the refrigerator until firm, 3 to 4 hours.
Adapted from Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen by Gina De Palma
Shawnda says
You choose wisely, young Peabody 🙂
I was introduced to creamsicle when staying overnight at a cousin’s house – she had creamsicle-flavored toothpaste. Aaaah, the memories!
Jenny says
On the rare occasion when I buy a box of creamsicles, the orange ones always go first! Good choice!
Dolores says
Oh my gawd. Will you and your father adopt me?!? I’m so-ooo glad January doesn’t find you on a diet, because I so needed to see this. And I so need to recreate it in my kitchen… for valentine’s day!
Lynn says
Creamsicles are fabulous! I used to make ice cream that tasted just like creamsicles. The only ingredients were sweetened condensed milk and Orange Crush soda. Your bavarian sounds more sophisticated by far.
Deborah says
I’ve always been a orange/vanilla fan – but this looks like an improved version of it!
Elle says
Your father sounds delightful, although there must have been a different way to show you the seedier side of life without the razor bladed hooker. As a parent I have fond memories of introducing my kids to luxurious foods like lobster and king crab and real Parmesan Reggiano. The creamsicle bavarian is a perfect example of your inspiring ways with desserts. I remember when I was little in the summer impatiently waiting for the ice cream truck and loving the Creamsicles. Mmmm.
Ann (Mobay DP) says
Ooh that sounds delightful. The ice cream man here sells creamsicles as well. The texture is so smooth and wonderful, especially on a hot day 🙂
I hope your dad enjoys this treat!
brilynn says
Can I come over for that too?
All last summer I had plans of making creamsicle ice cream and never did. Now I’m without my ice cream maker and I regret not bringing it with me everyday.
MrsPresley says
what a cute childhood story; thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
i love orange creamsicles! i would love to have some of your creamsicle bavarian, but i’ve never purchased whole milk before! wouldn’t know what to do w/the rest of it…
Kate says
I’m such a creamsicle fan – that looks fantastic!
MyKitchenInHalfCups says
Can Avocado Creamsicle Bavarian be far behind?
That is a pretty amazing was to present extremes! Obviously it made the right impression. I’d pick lobster any day and follow it with your Creamsicle Bavarian!
VeggieGirl says
what a fun story about your past – I love your Dad’s lesson, about seeing how “both sides” live; and how funny that he arm-wrestled you for an avocado (haha!!). this Creamsicle Bavarian is brilliant!
Suzana says
This dessert sounds divine – I love such kinds of refreshing desserts… Wonderful!
Julie O'Hara says
I love creamsicles–it’s totally a childhood nostalgia thing. I noticed your avocado bloody mary–great idea! My husband loves to make them and he experiments with different ingredients to create a “signature” Bloody Mary. I’m going to suggest he try avocado.
Julie
sandi@ the whistlestop cafe says
Dolce Italiano is one of the best cookbooks!
Everything you do looks beautiful.
Katelyn Sue says
thank you!
mmmm and that recipe looks so good, your dad is sure to love it!
Tartelette says
Great story! My dad was the stoic tester of my genius (read colorful) buttercream creations.
Can you believe I have never had a Creamsicle?!!! And what is this with us two sharing the same brain?!! Insert Twilight Zone music here if you want because I have been humming it for 10 minutes!
I am sure your dad will love this Bavarian!
Ivonne says
What and ADORABLE story! That is so cute … your dad sounds like a hoot! I too have fond memories of the creamsicle. Well done!
Mary says
I love creamsicles. Your bavarian looks beautiful.
Bellini Valli says
Your dad is a very wise man. I have spoiled my daughter to no end and plied her with wonderful restaurants and a charmed life. She had doubts as to whether she wanted to go to university until she spent a summer waitressing, working at a hair salon and babysitting a 2 year old 3 days a week. What do you think she decided…wink…wink….
Lydia says
Beautiful post! Your dad will be thrilled with this dessert inspired by him, and I’m sure you will have fun cooking for them in your new kitchen.
Amanda says
That was a very inpsired thing your Dad did for you both. I wont even bother asking if you’d like to trade Dads!
Hannah says
Oh, how beautiful, and it sounds incredible too! I’m totally addicted to these soy ice cream “creamsicles,” so I can’t imagine anyone would be able to resist this dessert.
powder says
i shall try that 1 day 😀
LyB says
Ah, the Creamsicle… I too was hooked on the first bite! Wonderful story, recipe and pictures!
Steph F. says
That looks sooooo good! I really want to make it now.. and am lamenting the current lack of heavy cream in the house.
Claire says
What a gret memory! See if your dad realizes why you made this dessert before you tell him…I can tell you, my dad wouldn’t! 😉 Hope you enjoy their visit.
deb says
all i can think of is, “MMMmmmm”
Sheltie Girl says
These sound simply delightful. I know your dad will enjoy them with you. I hope you and your family have a great visit together.
Sheltie Girl @ Gluten A Go Go
Dawn says
Gooooodness I haven’t had a creamsicle in ages. I am going grocery shopping and guess what I’m making for dessert.
Annemarie says
It certainly sounds as if your father has his own way of approaching life and lessons. I can only imagine how he would have broached sex education…
Creamsicles: what a fabulous idea.
Meeta says
Creamsicles – oh wow! Love your choice and this is just what I needed. You are my sweetest. Give your dad a hug from me!
Emiline says
What a fabulous twist on a classic! So retro!
I must say, I’ve made a few weird drinks, myself. Maybe the desire to make all sorts of alcoholic concoctions hits you when you turn 21. You must post the Bloody Mary Avocado sometime.
Kevin says
That vanilla and orange creamsicle looks o good!
Ashley says
Ooo excellent variation on the recipe. I love orange creamsicles. Hope you have a great visit with your parents. 🙂
Cheryl says
You are the first person I know to incorporate hookers with razer blades on a food blog. Awesome. Your dad sounds like a blast. And what an fantastic creation you made for him. I’m sure he will love it.
Francesco says
Really lovely and not that complex! Good!
I wish I saw this earlier!
aria says
omg peabody, this is incredible!! exactly the type of recipe that will keep me stalking it until i finally make it. wow, just love it. thanks!!
Fruittart says
What a great post! I love the story and I love the food. Yum!
Chris says
I can’t see the pictures, but there’s no need. What a beautiful post! And the Creamsicle…mmmmm