This is indeed a special post. It is rare, not just because I am offering a dessert. Mostly, because what I am offering is in essence my childhood in a cup.
Saturdays in New Orleans would consist of a time honored routine. Saturday ballet class would cap off a week full of dance, offering the next two days of rest. In celebration we’d meander slowly down the oak tree lined St, Charles Avenue towards my Carrollton home. My parents would allow one stop; Schweickhardt’s Pharmacy, the home of the very best Nectar Soda the city had to offer. Inside, I’d climb upon the tall swivel stool, a regular, with my order known to all. Exact change in hand, I would wait among the wood carved cabinets that held elixirs and medicines of yesterday. $3.27 would get me a pink concoction that dreams were made of and a step back in time, if only for a little while. In a steel cup with a long handled spoon, I’d find joy and a spellbinding ritual of my childhood never to be replaced.
{For the Nectar Syrup} 3 C Sugar 1 1/2 C Water 1/2 Can Condensed Milk 2 Tbsp Almond Extract 2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract 2-3 Drops Red Food Coloring
In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar until fully dissolved. Add the almond and vanilla extracts and condensed milk. Add in the food coloring, stirring to combine, developing into the prettiest hue of pink that you ever did see. Allow the syrup to completely cool.
{For the Nectar Soda} 1/4 C (2oz.) Nectar Syrup 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream Sparkling Water or Soda Tonic Whipped Cream (optional but awesome)
{For Assembly} In a tall glass, place the Nectar syrup at the bottom. Top with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and sparkling water/soda tonic. Garnish with whipped cream. Serve immediately with a straw and spoon. Sit back and take in the joy.
