Flaming Mango Sauce Over Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Food

MANGO-ORANGE-VANILLA ICE CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Butter an 8-inch springform pan. Cut a 7-by-26-inch piece of parchment paper; press the strip around the inside of the pan so it extends above the rim (this will allow you to build a tall cake). Lock the ring to secure the paper to the pan.
• Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the carton of mango ice cream in half with a serrated knife. Return one half to the freezer. Transfer the other half to a stand mixer and let soften slightly, then beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed until spreadable but not melted. Spread the ice cream evenly onto the crust with an offset spatula. Freeze until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Rinse out the bowl, then repeat step 3 with the vanilla ice cream, using half of the carton. Freeze the cake. When firm, repeat with the orange-vanilla ice cream, using half of the carton. Return to the freezer.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining mango, vanilla and orange-vanilla ice cream, making sure each layer is firm before adding the next. Freeze the ice cream cake until completely firm, at least 1 hour.
• Remove the springform ring and parchment. Cover the cake with whipped cream and freeze at least 10 minutes more.

BALSAMIC-CARAMEL SAUCE OVER VANILLA ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Bring cream just to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and keep the cream warm.
• In a large high-sided saucepan over medium-high heat, dissolve the sugar with 2 tablespoons of water. As the sugar mixture begins to bubble, watch for crystals developing on the inside of the pan just above the liquid. Using a pastry brush dipped in water, brush the inside of the pan right above the crystals so the water drips down and dissolves the crystals back into the liquid. When the sugar begins to brown, occasionally move the pan to swirl the liquid gently and cook it evenly. Continue to cook until the mixture is dark golden brown. The total cooking time will be 8 to 9 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Very carefully add the hot cream to the sugar mixture a few tablespoons at a time. The liquid will bubble up dramatically. Stir the sauce and cook for 1 minute. Add the vinegar, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mix well. Pour into a heatproof bowl. You should have about 1 1/4 cups of sauce. The sauce can be made several weeks ahead, covered with plastic, and stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If refrigerated, warm in a microwave oven before using.
• Serve on top of vanilla ice cream.

ROOT BEER FLOATS WITH HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM

Steps:

• For the vanilla ice cream: Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the cream and milk, a little at a time, until incorporated; then add the sugar, a little at a time, whisking until completely dissolved.
• Pour the mixture into a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 40 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the ice cream base cool completely before adding it to an electric ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.
• For the root beer float: In a frosty mug, add 2 large scoops of the vanilla ice cream, then top off with root beer. Repeat with the remaining ice cream and root beer. Serve with large straws and spoons.