Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Italian Creme Soda

When I was at BYU, I had two friends who were in their senior year, Lori and Kari. They were roommates since their freshman days and I had been all over. (At that point, I had gone to community college, BYU-Hawaii and served an 18 month mission.) We really didn't see each other that much, but one night they called me up and wanted to know if I wanted to join them for a run to The Old Spaghetti Factory in Salt Lake City. I jumped at the chance to hang out and eat something more interesting than top ramen or a baked potato. One of them had worked there and knew everyone. Apparently, they made this run quite often. They also knew what to order.

They said I had to get the Italian Creme Soda. Not only was it to die for, but it came in a neat souvenir glass. Well, how do you say no to that? I ordered a raspberry flavored and the rest is history. Lisa & Raspberry Creme Soda: A Love Story. They brought it in a tall glass with ice, creme, raspberry syrup, and soda water. You could still see the layers of everything and you were supposed to stir it all up yourself. The swirling of white and red are lovely and should be enjoyed by the drinker.

This was the first of many runs we did together. In fact it was the first of three runs we made in one week. I think it was the only time I saw them that year: on our Spaghetti Factory runs. each time I got an Italian Creme Soda. I had a nice set of glasses. There are many flavors to try, but I love the red and white swirls in raspberry best. You can also adjust the amounts of soda to cream to syrup. It is ALL about YOU.

I hadn't thought about it for a while, then Jen and Alyssa started going on and on and my throat started feeling a bit parched. While sorting through the food stuff to put away in my new kitchen I spied it: Torani Raspberry Syrup. Guess who is having Italian Creme Sodas tonight?

For each serving:
2 oz half-and -half
2 oz Italian syrup flavor (Vanilla, Cherry, Orange, Raspberry, Almond, Hazelnut, Caramel or any other flavor you can find)
4 oz club soda
2 oz crushed ice

Use a tall glass with straight sides. Put in the ice first, then slowly add the soda, then the syrup and then the creme. With a long spoon stir until smooth. I use a straw.