{Recipe} Root Beer "Floats"

I had a ball at this year's Earth Day Food and Wine Festival at Pomar Junction, and part of the fun was seeing people's reaction to a new take on a root beer float. They were amazed that the root beer gelée and vanilla bean panna cotta really did taste just like a root beer float (and, let's be honest here, I got a kick out of people trying to drink it like a Jell-O shot!). And my favorite part? The addition of a sprinkle of Unflavored popping sugar to give these floats their carbonated kick back!

This recipe is so simple, I'm almost embarrassed to share it! But, although it is simple, it is definitely not lacking a "wow" factor, and your party guests are sure to be delighted by this familiar treat in an unfamiliar form! Use your favorite brand of root beer (we like Central Coast Brewing Company or Pithy Little Soda Works), or even try orange cream soda, or your favorite stout or porter beer. **EDIT** When choosing a soda, choose something that has full flavor, is sweetened with real cane sugar, and (if you can find one) is made in small batches. Since this recipe is made up of simple components, quality of ingredients is essential!**

Root Beer Gelée Layer
Adapted from the Food Network
24 oz Root Beer
2 packets gelatin (1/4 oz each)

Pour half the root beer into a large measuring cup with a pouring spout and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let sit for 5 minutes.

While the gelatin blooms, pour the rest of the root beer into a saucepan and heat until just before boiling. Add the hot root beer to the root beer-gelatin mixture while you whisk gently to combine. Pour into your desired serving cups immediately, and place in the refrigerator to set (approximately 15-30 minutes). While the gelée is setting, make the vanilla bean panna cotta.

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta Layer
Adapted from Cooks Illustrated Classic Panna Cotta
1 cup whole milk
1 packet gelatin (1/4 oz)
3 cups heavy cream, very cold
1/2 vanilla bean (split it lengthwise, and scrape out seeds with back of knife)
6 T granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
Unflavored popping sugar (garnish)

Pour the milk into a saucepan, and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until the gelatin is hydrated and softened. Pour cream into a large bowl, and add the vanilla bean and all the seeds.

Once the gelatin has softened, heat the milk in the saucepan over medium-high heat while stirring constantly. Your goal is to dissolve the gelatin, but do not boil the milk (this should take about 1-2 minutes). Remove from the heat and add the sugar and salt, and stir until dissolved. Add the milk to the cream mixture and stir to combine. 

Strain the milk/cream mixture into a large measuring cup (or other vessel with a pour spout), and then pour a layer on top of your root beer gelée. Place back in refrigerator until set (panna cotta layer will still have a little wobble to it when it is set, it should not be as firm as the gelée).

Immediately before serving, sprinkle with popping sugar, and enjoy!