Saturday, July 3, 2010

MEMORIES OF SOMETHING DELICIOUS....

When I was a little girl, my Dad would take my sister and I into town on Saturday's.
He would take us to a movie and then out for an A&W root beer float.

Nothing tasted as good as this did on a hot summer afternoon!
It's a treat that has been around since 1919 and it's is still one of my favorites.




It was so fun as a teenager to stop at A&W after school for an icy root beer float...nothing was as fun as that stop everyday.

Later, as a Mom with my first child, I used to strap him in our old orange Willy's Jeep and off we'd go to town...to get a root beer float!

I suppose that's why I still love A&W root beer the best... even today!

~~~~~~~~

Here's a recipe for you...

" QUICK HOMEMADE ROOT BEER "

Dissolve a 5 lb. bag of Sugar in 1 gallon of hot water

Add: 4 gallons of cold water
1 bottle of root beer syrup

Add: 8 lbs. of dry ice into a 10-gallon
container with the root beer mixture.

Dry ice will add fizz.
This takes approximately
30-45 minutes


In my mind a root beer float is the best treat for a hot day!
Creamy...icy cold...delicious


Another recipe...

" ROOT BEER CUP CAKES "

In a large bowl cream:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
until light and fluffy.

Add: 2 eggs, one at a time.
Beat well after each...

Combine:

2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. allspice

Add to creamed mixture,
alternately with
1 cup root beer
beating well.

Fill paper-lined
muffin cups 2/3 full

Bake at 350* for 18-22 minutes
Cool 10 min. in pan, then remove
them to a wire rack to cool completely.


" FROSTING"

1 1/2 cups whipped topping
(or) Cool Whip
12 root beer barrel candies, crushed
Combine...frost
1 dozen

(OR)

1 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. root beer extract
a few T. hot water
to make it spreadable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I have met the most wonderful women here in blog-land
and I want each of you to know how VERY MUCH I appreciate
your kind visits to my blog...your kind words of up-lift and words
of joy and caring...what did I ever do without each of you?!

YOU ARE:

THOUGHTFUL
FUNNY
HELPFUL
ALWAYS THERE
NICE
KINDHEARTED
SUPPORTIVE
FRIENDS
(And so much more)

I am grateful for all I learned from you...
and all that you share and give to me that makes me a
better woman.I know one thing....You will always be...
"DEAR TO MY HEART"

75 comments:

♥ Sonny ♥ said...

ohh i love root beer skaes and those cupcakes sound so good.. Gonna have to try that recipe.. thank~!
I appreciate you comin to visit me, Julie.. Its always a joy to see your smiling face in my comments..

hugs
Sonny

Julie said...

Oh my I really want to try the Root Beer cupcakes... I already printed out the two chocolate recipes you posted the other day, and also one more for my MIL.
We had an A&W right down the road from us and used to get the floats, but they closed....sigh...
WE make them at home sometimes.
YUM! Cheerwine floats are awesome too! Do you have that soda pop up there? Hugs to you!

Becky said...

Oh I loved them as well.I still do I just hold back and dont have any,LOL

I thought "oh the coast is clear she didnt post any sweets"LOL, then I scrolled down hahah.They look yummy too.

Have a lovely 4th Julie with your family!HUGS!

gigi said...

What interesting recipes :)
Julie, coming here to your blog is like getting a hug from you each time. Thank you.
Happy 4th of July.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

My parents always used to take us to the Root Beer stand too! We used to get baby root beers, remember those? What memories that brings back!
Great recipes too, you have so many!
Happy 4th of July Julie!
Cindy

The Gough Inn said...

A&W root beer float are the best indeed. When we went in to town to shop my Dad would stop once in a while and get all 7 of us kids root beer floats. Also when I was growing up my Dad made home made root beer. Now I'll try thoes root beer cup cakes -- that would be one of my challenges on the BBQ - and I baked a white cake on the BBQ the other day and it worked out great - hope the cup cake work out - too I'll post about it if they don't burn up - wink! Thanks for the idea!

Sue said...

What a great idea for cupcakes...I can honestly say that is one cupcake I have never seen...Martha Stewart didn't even think of that one....We had Stewart's Root Beer in Jersey and that's one of our first stops when we go back to visit....they stopped using the icy cold glass mugs for the root beer which is no fun...not the same out of a paper cup...I have discovered a great way to enjoy this special treat without the calories...Not that you have to worry about that....But I take A&W diet cream soda and add a big scoop of Breyers fat free vanilla ice cream....you wouldn't believe how good it is and it's like 35 calories!! Have a great 4th of July!

bj said...

I've enjoyed root beer floats and now, I share them often with our grandkids.
Thanks for the cupcake recipe...we'll be sure to try that soon, too.
hugs, bj

Martha said...

Love Root Beer floats! Thanks for the cupcake recipe. I can't wait to try it.

Cindy said...

Julie..the other day I was ordering a root-bear at our Sonic Drive in..My grandson..who is 9 said..Nana..you don't have to order a kids drink..you can have a real soda!!I told him..honey Nana will always choose Root Beer..it's my favorite. Then I told him about root beer candies..root bear dum-dum's ect..He was impressed that he didn't have to stop drinking root beer because he was getting older..it is his favorite also. I am going to call him and tell him about these recipes..he will be thrilled. Thanks for sharing them!I'm not able to read all my blogs..but I have missed chatting with you :-(
Hows the summer going so far? Any trips planned? How are the new mamas to be? I 'm suppose to be making a quilt for Kellys baby in Sept. Hmmm..trying to start it..can't get motivatied..lol

have a blessed week.Hugs..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

once in a blue moon... said...

my husband made a float last night, its just good ole plain fun isn't it!

your cupcakes look delish, i would love one now, washed down with a float of course!

Karen Deborah said...

Thank you for all your comments lately. You have "no reply" set up so I can't respond to you except here.
but thanks. I love root beer floats had one this week and you still haven't told me how you stay skinny!

Jules said...

Who doesn't love a root beer float? We used to have an A&W here but it has been gone for many years. I remember going there for floats when we were kids.

I could sure go for one right now...

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I haven't had an A & W root beer float in a long time. Now I'm craving one!

Cora said...

I agree with you about the friends I have made here in bloggerville! You are all wonderful...I have not meet an unkind one!
Now about the root beer...thats one soda that I have never liked! But anyway thanks for all that you share here on your beautiful blog...root beer and all!
Love your memories!

rose said...

i love root beer items of any type. you had a good memory. the recipes look like ones that need to be attempted. thanks.

Eileen@My Evergreen Place said...

I grew up going to A&W too! Then when I had kids we would often stop at the only left in our area on a Sunday ride on a summer's evening and enjoy a root bear floats.

Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories, Julie! :0)

Sandra said...

Yummy...remember A&W car hops and our mom taking use in the long turquoise Bonneville convertable. She bought us the little bitty kids root beer in the little frosty glass mugs...I think they cost a dime! Lots of good A&W memories.

Scrappy Girl said...

During my last trip home I almost decided to go to the Frost Top drive in for one of their ice cold root beers. YUM! Maybe next trip...

BTW...I cherish you as a bloggy friend too. I am glad we found each other here in the blogosphere!

Muthering Heights said...

Homemade Root Beer?!? What a FUN idea!! :D

Beth at Aunties said...

We absolutely love rootbeer floats! After dad's burial we went over to a cousin's home to visit and have ice cold root beer floats! There were around 40 some of us laughing and remembering over A&W root beer floats.
The kids all loved that he lives in such fertile farm land with the most pastoral views. The pictures of our little ones were taken outside his home.
Thank you dear sweet lady and I hope you enjoy a fun holiday with your family!~♥

SoVeryDomestic said...

Homemade root beer? Root beer cupcakes I have heard of but I bet they'd be best made with my own root beer! Genius!

Susan said...

Rootbeer Floats are a classic and I love them. Easy and inexpensive....I love that even more.

Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...

I am amazed at your photos. Your granddaughter is precious. And root beer floats? My husband's favorite.

Nikki said...

Just a quick question....What's root beer? I'm assuming it's the same as ginger beer?

Denise said...

I've never liked Root Beer! In England we have an antiseptic ointment that smells just like it and so I can't for the life of me even take a sip! The floats always look so good though :) and what wonderful memories it has for you.
Hope you have a wonderful 4th weekend Julie.
hugs
Denise

koralee said...

RootBeer is my favourite!!!!! Growing up we owned the local Dairy Queen...I lived on RB milkshakes...oh and nothing is better than a RB popsicle!
I Will be making your cupcakes...my kids will adore YOU!!!!!!!!!! so do I.
I am going to celebrate Canada Day with a Big RB milkshake!!!! and make a toast to you.
Hugs to you my friend. xoxo

blondiensc said...

Oh goodness you always post the most tempting treats, the root beer floats would be a special treat for my punk!!! Thank you for always being so kind to me Julie, you are amazing, and your words always so sincere, i love hearing from you! Happy 4th to you and yours!

Julia said...

Rootbeer floats are THE BEST! I have not had one in years. I think this weekend we will have a special treat thanks to your suggestion.

Have a great day!

SFBakstad said...

Hello and Greetings from San Francisco! We found your blog today and what a fun little treat (no pun intended). I've been telling my husband, whose from Norway, about A&W and their root beer floats. You have a great blog here with lots of juicy nuggets and photos, brought a big smile!!!! Looking forward to following you!

Gypsy Heart said...

LOVE root beer and the floats too! There is an A&W place not far from me so I have to exercise some will power often. :-)

Thanks for the recipe...sounds good.

Friends are such treasures ~ and I count you as one of mine.

Hope that you and your loved ones have a safe, fun & happy 4th.

xoxo
Pat

Stacey said...

Mmm, those cupcakes look good. My 20 year old son loves root beer. :) Bet he'd like these cupcakes too.

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Root Beer cupcakes, that name is delicious already!
Wishing you a most wonderful happy lovely sunny Thursday, Julie. xx

aimee said...

root bear floats are a wonderful idea for the 4th! with red, white, and blue straws! what yummy recipes. have a spectacular 4th of july :)
blessings,
aimee

pollydove said...

Oh my ... rootbeer cupcakes??? Now those sound like they are worth a try!

When I was a student at BYU we used to go and get rootbeer ice cream cones at the A & W. They were SO delicious!

A rootbeer float is definitely a fun summer treat! Cute post Julie!

Betsy said...

I haven't had a rootbeer float since I was a kid!

Blog friends are the very best, aren't they?

happeningswithLana said...

Julie, I do like root beer so I will try the cupcakes. TFS!

LDH said...

I am so behind on commenting on blogs I follow, but I had to take a moment and say thank you to YOU for all of the wonderful posts and recipes you generously share here. I have copied many of them and hope to get around to making a few.

I love A&W Root Beer too and we have some around here. It is fun to be served at the car window!

Kindly, ldh

Laura said...

Hi Miss Julie-
Thank YOU!
You are the inspiration with your wonderful spirit and love of family.

We used to have coke floats and in fact a coke float is my husband's favorite.

I think I'll make him one!

See,
You've inspired me.

Laura
White Spray Paint

Country Girl said...

Root beer is one of my favorites and I haven't had a root beer float in years! I may not be able to get it out of mind now!

Deb said...

I came to blogland last February and I have to tell you Julie you are one of my favorite blogs to follow because you are so genuine and loving. It is written all over your blog and I really enjoy all your family photos and of course I love that Cougar and the kitties. I have enjoyed reading your recipes and I have added a few to my recipe book. I may even try the cupcakes. Thanks for stopping by and wishing our wonderful country a happy birthday. The family are out celebrating at Parliament Hill in Ottawa tonight The Queen is there amongst many amazing musicians and it should be quite a celebration. Me....I stay home with Kane because he is terrified of fireworks and can't be left alone. We will just cuddle on the couch with popcorn and watch it on TV. Have a great week, Julie. Hugs.

Cherie said...

I am definately a Root Beer lover!!

I don't drink much soda but since I have been recovering my little treat has been a can of root beer in the afternoon.

The cupcakes look so fun!!

Deb {Posted from} Home said...

Such a great post - brought back lots of memories of A&W root beer floats too :-) A summertime favourite! Thank you for your kind Canada Day Wishes ... I hope you are able to visit one day!

Farmgirl Paints said...

I'd love to come see you Julie, but only if you whipped up some of your yummy food for me. Seriously girl you are ruining any diet thoughts I have in my head. I'm going upstairs right now and making a float of some kind!

We are off to South Dakota tomorrow and then down to Colorado to visit family. We have a little family drama, so say a little prayer for us if you think of it. Have a great 4th girlie.

Shelia said...

Hi Julie! Sweet story and I love root beer floats too! I've never heard of root beer cup cakes, but I'll bet I'd love those too! Thanks for the recipe.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

~Carrie from Cottage Cozy~ said...

Those cupcakes do look like fun! My mom would make root bear floats for us 7 kids at home...it was a treat! I was the only one that didn't care too much for them. But I always love a bowl of vanilla ice cream! :) Happy 4th!

Connie said...

We got our city bill today and in it is that exact same recipe for rootbeer - word for word! Interesting!

I too love A&W rootbeer floats. Not sure how the hubs got 'em but we have 2 of the mugs that we put change in. Brings back fond memories.

Mimi Sue said...

Rootbeer floats are the best and a wonderful taste of summer. Love to make homemade rootbeer too. We make ours for halloween. Is that weird? Loved that red white and blue dessert. Refreshing and light. Have a great 4th! Mimi

Nikki said...

Thanks for explaining root beer... whenever I heard people talking about root beer on tv I thought they were talking about ginger beer. xx

Sharon said...

I love the root beer floats then and now also.
I have a collection of all 3 glass mug sizes. When hubby and I were dating we always went to a Diary Queen to get our root beer float and back then you could purchase them.
It took us a while but we finally got 6 of each size.
Thanks for the memories and I am going to try your recipe.
have a great 4th and I think hubby and I will sit back and enjoy a float in our A&W mugs. LOl

A Vintage Chic said...

What sweet memories, Julie! My husband and my girls have lots of A & W dates, too--love them!

Those cupcakes look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Hope your Fourth of July weekend is off to a great start!

Julie

Midlife Mom said...

My aunt used to make homemade roo tbeer when I was a child and it was soooooooo good! When I married and moved to the 'big' city there was an A & W root beer place and what a treat to go have a big cold frosty mug of it!! Yum! Thanks for the memories!!

Happy@Home said...

What a sweet memory of special times with your dad and sister. I used to love to go to A & W for a foot long coney dog and a mug of that ice cold root beer.
Your root beer float looks like a good treat on a hot day.

NanaDiana said...

Oh how I loved a root beer float. I don't think I had one until I was a teenager; although my Mom made homemade root beer a few times when I was a kid. As a young mother we got the little Kiddie cups (the mini-frosted root beer mugs) for the kids and I had a Black Cow (root beer shake). SOOOOO good. Thanks for the memories.

Alos, thank you for stopping by my blog the other day-I appreciate the visit.

Bringing Pretty Back said...

root beer cupcakes! I have never heard of them and they sould sooo good! I agree ,rootbeer floats are just "summer".

Bringing Pretty Back said...

Julie, thank you for the comment. YES! Put the spouse first makes for a wonderful life.

Rosie said...

Oh dearest we are sooo blessed by your kind and loving words. You are loved by many.
I love root beer...as a child, we uses enjoy root beer bottle cap candies...oh my, I had forgotten that little gem...great post...smile on Rosie...xoxo

Susan B said...

Hi Julie
Root beer cupcakes sounds very yummy! So does homemade root beer. I love A&W root beer floats too!

I hope your have a wonderful July 4th weekend!

Jenglamgirl said...

A&W floats are the best. I love that you have such a great nostalgic connection to them. That is the best part. I love root beer floats.. yummy! I have never heard of root beer cupcakes thanks for the recipe, how great. HAVE A WONDERFUL 4TH of July!!! Hugs, Jenn

Manuela@TPOH said...

I used to love root beer floats! Those cupcakes sound amazing - I'll add them to my pile of recipes from you to try!

Hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th!

Manuela

Brenda said...

I LOVE root beer!!! I remember going to A&W and the car hops would come riding up on roller skates...boy I wanted to be the roller skatin' root beer lady!

When our family served in the Spansh Branch we had a fireside for all the youth at our home and I served our favorite root beer floats...and they spanish kids wouldn't eat them!!! They said that root beer tastes like a nasty medicine that they used to have to take in Mexico! We just couldn't believe it!
THANKS for another great recipe!! Can't wait to try it...Happy 4th of July!!

Natasha said...

I tried a root beer float for the first time last year and I loved it! It is really hard to find root beer over here but it tastes very similar to our sarsaparilla so I will give these recipes a try with that.

Hope your 4th of July weekend is wonderful, Julie.

Take care and best wishes,
Natasha.

Deborah said...

Julie, its so funny you should do a post on root beer floats because last evening I was thinking..would I ever like a root beer float!!!
I love them too...and so easy to make yourself!

What sweet memories you have..ones to treasure and fondly remember!
Im going to have to try the cupcakes..since root beer is my favourite soda pop!!


Oh and.... we all think its wonderful to have a blogging friend like you...you are a blessing!!!

In friendship,
Deborah xo

from my front porch... said...

Yum! I am making the cupcakes :)
Have a wonderful 4th with your family, Julie!
xo, misha

Rosie said...

Good morning Sweet One...Hoping you have a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends...Sending the Biggest Smile...xoxo...Rosie

Gloria said...

Hi, Julie! It has been SO long since I visited your blog! I remember you were so kind and one of my first Followers on my blog (not that I still have many!), and I remember I truly thought that was your little girl in the picture, NOT your granddaughter for pete's sake! Anyway, this was a lovely post, aren't memories and family stories great? Plus those root beer floats looked pretty fantastic too! I also looked at more of your recent posts to catch up... That little kitty Jack is so cute! That was so kind of you to bring him home. You are a good soul. Well, it was nice visiting. Take care and Happy July 4th!
Best regards,
Gloria

maría cecilia said...

Hola dear Julie, lovely memories and delicious drink, but really I have no idea what root beer is... sorry, but it looks like our "cafè helado" here in Chile, which is part of my memories as a child too!!!
cariños,
maria cecilia

Small House said...

I'm all for rootbeer floats minus the ice cream hahaha BUT...the cupcakes sound delicious!!! Definitley worth a try.
Have a great day.
Sandra

Melinda Cornish said...

I love root beer barrels! I gotta make some of those cupcakes...hope your holiday was a wonderful one!

Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio said...

What great recipes! I love rootbeer and it HAS to be A&W! Every Saturday, when my mom went grocery shopping, she would take us kids with her. We would always stop at the A&W for hot dogs, fries and rootbeer in those frosty mugs.
Hugs,
Penny

Blessedmom's Simple Home said...

You're bringing back great memories my dear friend. I've always loved A&W best too and I'm sure that their floats from my childhood is part of the reason. I'm a big fan of root beer popsicles too. When I was growing up, my uncle would send us sassafras roots every year to make sassafras tea. They used to use it to make root beer, but I don't think they do anymore. That's why they call it "root" beer I believe :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

You guys still have A&W Rootbeer places. Oh that was my favorite place to visit with my granddaddy. He would take me there and I was the happest little girl in the world. We don't have them here any longer. Thanks for bringing back some sweet memories.
Loved my visit as I always do. These cupcakes look so good and I have never heard of rootbeer cupcakes. Girl you always have the best on here but I always leave hungry
Love
Maggie

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

I can taste it just looking at it=0) What a lovely rootbeer memories!

Have a lovely day,
xoxo,
Carol

gnee said...

Great recipes, Julie, and thanks for your sweet sentiments. You are a cheerleader and I love you!

GardenofDaisies said...

Root beer floats!!! Perfect summertime treat!! My son loves root beer too. I remember going to the A&W when I was very little and my Dad ordering me the "baby size" mug of root beer and he got the "Big Daddy size" root beer. :-)