Fave Ice Cream Flavor Poll Results: The Winner?

Fave

Ice Cream Flavor Poll Results

And The Winner Is?

by Cal Orey

“My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy the ice cream while it's on your plate”
--Thornton Wilder

Several days ago, I posted a poll on The Writing Gourmet blog: What Is Your Fave Ice Cream Flavor?... The results are interesting: 50% chocolate; 20% vanilla; 10% berry; 10% other. So there you go. Chocolate ice cream stands out--and that doesn't really surprise me. But I love 'em all. Cold, creamy, all-natural ice cream--if it's gourmet all the better.

I recall going to Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors Ice Cream Store and my boyfriend ordered up vanilla. I admit I created a bit of an argument when I darted: "Why in the world would you order something plain when there are dozens of flavors in front of you?" (I, too, like vanilla but with a twist of chocolate. I ordered a chocolate malt made with French vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate syrup.) The fact is, vanilla is sophisticated. It's pure. It's simple.

In my own freezer French vanilla is there. Three cartons. Breyers French Vanilla Real Ice Cream, All Natural is my fave. The ingredients: milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, natural flavor, natural tara gum--that's it. It's low in sodium, contains vitamin A and and bone-boosting calcium, and has only 140 calories per 1/2 cup.

Why do I love French vanilla ice cream? Ah, let me count the ways. You can do so much with it. You can top it with fresh peaches, berries, dark chocolate chips, and dress it up with balsamic vinegar for an elegant dessert. Milkshakes? Yep, any flavor from a strawberry shake to a berry smoothie. A scoop on hot chocolate or java to homemade apple pie. Thumbs up for vanilla ice cream. But there's more...

I can understand those who voted for berry ice cream. I tried to find a Black Raspberry Chocolate but it's not anywhere near Lake Tahoe. Go figure. I tried using the Product Locator on the Breyers' Web site. I hit 5, 10, 25, 50 miles--nothing. I wonder why it is nonexistent in Sierra Nevada. Is a quake coming? A power outage? They don't like mountain folks or tourists? Note to self: Do more research... And for those who checked "other" -- I get it. As a kid, after church on Sundays coffee ice cream was my choice. It made me feel grown up and good, especially after confession (not fun). But when it comes right down to it, it's still real vanilla and dark chocolate for me--these two provide the best of both ice cream worlds.

So, I am still on the quest for the best gourmet chocolate ice cream. Tomorrow, I will go on the hunt for it...and do a taste test in the comfort of my home. A writer's work is never done. (No dogs allowed. It's chocolate.) BTW: In my forthcoming book The Healing Powers of Chocolate, Gemma Sciabica gave me her recipe for homemade chocolate ice cream--and yes, it includes olive oil! Happy National Ice Cream Month. We only have a week left.