Sometimes You Need Oprah to Inspire Creation

It wasn't until she mentioned them that I pondered a recipe. I was not inspired to create a summer dessert until I saw them on glossy paper. It wasn't until Oprah featured one of my favorite local businesses and their ice cream sandwiches that I had to make them. These ice cream sandwiches, found just a block away were merchandise up until that point, as soon as O liked them they were my next conquest.

I was not about to make a waffle cookie to compete with them or the beet ice cream that required roasting before chilling, I just wanted to make something that could be wrapped up individually and could impress my Women's Group. It is often the branding as well as the taste that gets me creating.

Step one: Create the Ice Cream (in my case with a kitchen aid mixer)

Bourbon Ginger Ice Cream
1 1/4 cup heavy cream whipped
1 1/4 cup cream
9 ounces confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons minced ginger
1/2 tablespoon of shaved vanilla bean
1 table spoon bourbon

Beat cream until fluffy with sugar. Add other ingredients. Freeze in
metal bowl.

Step 2: Add your favorite cookie recipe (in my case Oatmeal Raisin)

Oatmeal Cookies
1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) butter, softened
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (I often use a half teaspoon, but I like more salt in my baked goods)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Cool cookies and add frozen Ice Cream. Wrap individually and freeze until serving.

Step 4: Find a ribbon, camera, PR firm and Oprah's number!