Café Glacé, or Russian Coffee Float

It’s been incredibly hot out there, which meant two things:

1) Working in the kitchen has been challenging.

2) There was a great need for cooling treats and beverages.

With that in mind, I decided to re-post this Russian concoction from my archives – it is perfect for this weather.

Despite its French name, this is technically a Russian treat, although I never actually had it during my old life.

This here is effectively a coffee float, and it’s delicious beyond words.

Here’s how to make it:

Here we’ve got ourselves ice-cream, heavy cream (half-n-half is for sissies), coffee, sugar, and salt.

Note: these days I use sweetened condensed milk in my coffee, which is a whole lot more delicious than any dairy product to have ever emerged directly from a cow, and this is what I would use now instead of the cream+sugar combo above.

Add 3 t of sugar to 1 C of coffee – increase or degrease the amount of sugar to taste.

A few grains of salt… NOT THIS MUCH. This is for demonstration only.

A serious dash of heavy cream…

Now whisk it all together.

At this point, Cyrus wakes up from a nap and toddles into the kitchen.

Note: This is Cyrus today (dressed by his sister):

Isn’t it amazing how much my boy changed in a little over a year?

Also, he no longer naps.

Also, I since learned how set the white balance on my camera manually, improving my weird cast situation dramatically.

Also, I since learned how to shoot in full manual.

Next, add a scoop or two of slightly softened vanilla ice-cream to the vessel from which you intend to drink this divine, caffeine-loaded concoction.

Note: I used to love Alden’s, but last week I up and bought an ice-cream maker and never looked back. These days I would use homemade vanilla ice-cream.

You can tell I have some decision-making issues in the vessel-choice department. That’s how I generate so many dirty dishes.

Next, and I bet you didn’t see this one coming, pour the coffee mixture right on top.

At this point, Cyrus hears the sound of a truck going down the road. It’s all over his face.

“A twuck! A twuck!”

Note: Cyrus no longer mangles words and instead recites clearly and profusely from Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein, as well as makes up his own rhymes.

But he’s still obsessed with trucks.

Done! And while some of you may be mentally counting the calories, remember – animal fat is your friend!

Animal fat means prosperity, happiness, and a productive life.

And plenty of breast milk – Cyrus will be the first one to tell you that.

Note: Cyrus, who at the ripe age of two-and-a-half still helped himself to the lacto-producing machine I will not mention directly, no longer partakes of said fine beverage. But the machine itself is far from being out of commission. This is why:

Keep that dairy coming!!!