Stewart's Black Cherry Frozen Float Review

[New for 2012] Oh man, yet again I find myself at another grocery store that is carrying the new chocolate choco tacos but not the peanut butter choco tacos. Why must the stores taunt me like this?! Uggg, well I guess I could go somewhere else but... wait, there's a brightly colored container catching my eye.

Is that Stewart's Floats in a Pint??? hahaha, oh man! Those appeared out of the blue! Oh, and they're on sale too! It would be wrong to pass it up at just $2.99 per real pint.

Wendy's Strawberry Shortcake Frosty Parfait Review

[New for 2012] Since I tend to be a bit of a space case this time of year due to weather changes, pollen overload, and everything else, I can get lost in the fog of everything going on. Humidity and congestion just go so well together.... Ofcourse, being foggy doesn't mean I'm not hungry. I know I wanted to pick something up on the way back from Home Depot, but I just wasn't sure what to get. Thankfully Nick reminded me that the new Wendy's Strawberry Frosty Parfait is out. I don't know what it is, but once I heard strawberry and frosty, off I went.

Well I had questioned if the 2011 Wildberry Parfait would be back. The answer appears to be a big NO now that the Strawberry Shortcake parfait is here. It's "creamy vanilla [frosty] with fresh hand-cut strawberry and shortbread cookies to make the perfect summer re-treat".

Dairy Queen Confetti Cake Blizzard April Blizzard of the Month

[New for May 2012, Returned April 2014, Returning April 2025]

[2025 Thoughts] My original review was a bit harsh, and if you like the sugar cookie blizzard, you'll probably like this one. That said, the sugar cookie blizzard is better. I believe it's the confetti frosting that just doesn't quite click in to place like the sugar cookie blizzard does. If you've had both, let me know which one you prefer.

[Original 2012 Review] There's nothing cooler than hitting DQ on the first of the month to find out what the new blizzard is. Sure, there's the occasional disappointment if you DQ isn't ready for it yet, but if you have a well prepared store nearby, it's like Christmas... ok, too far, but there is definitely a fun factor when that blizzard isn't just new for the month, but totally new to Dairy Queen.

This is the new Confetti Cake Blizzard

It's moist white cake pieces and confetti frosting blended with creamy vanilla softserve.

Cedar Crest Blue Moon Ice Cream Sandwich Review

[By Nick] Blue Moon is definitely the “mystery” flavor of the ice cream world. Hell, there’s even a Wikipedia page for it. It seems as if everyone believes they know what it truly is, yet the discrepancy between flavors is astounding. I mean if one person thinks it tastes like Fruit Loops while another is definite it tastes like soda, there has to be something up with this flavor. Being that this had me very intrigued, I added a couple of Cedar Crest Blue Moon Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches to my Ice Cream Source order.

The description I got from the website is extremely vague. Simply put its blue moon ice cream in between two cookies. Now I have no idea what flavor the cookies are or if they’re more wafer like than cookie. The packaging it just a blank white wrapper, which is just disappointing for something that doesn’t come in its own box. Okay time to stop delaying, here goes nothing.

Wonka Chipperberry Swirl Ice Cream Review

[New for 2012, retired April 2013] Oh Wonka, you make me feel like a kid again. I know it's all in my head, but I see these pints and I think back to school and reading Charlie and the Chocolate factory. I think what it would be like to be a kid again but I don't need to think too hard, I've got two of them running around all over the place. Well, one's reading, the other is pretending he's an airplane or Lightning McQueen. I know eating these free samples of Wonka won't make me a kid again, but let's pretend anyway.

wait, hold on

Wonka Chipperberry Swirl is black raspberry & vanilla ice cream with chocolaty chips

Blue Bunny 24 Karat Carrot Cake Ice Cream Review

[New for 2012, lasted only through 2013] So, are you a carrot cake addict like me? Are you excited for buffets because for some strange reason there's always a carrot cake option for dessert? Did you use to eat those easy bake carrot cakes for lunch in college? Ok, I probably lost most of you on that last one, but I do love carrot cake.  I've said this before, but no matter how you make it, I'll probably love it. With or without real chunks of carrots, kinda dry or overloaded with oil, it's all good? As long as there is a decent frosting (which there always is), then you're guaranteed a tasty treat. At least in my world, mmm, so tasty!

This is Blue Bunny's new Duff Goldman flavor. Not only was it a smart idea to continue the relationship with Duff, but they've gone and expanded it with this and the Cup o' Coffee Cake flavor.

Blue Bunny Vanilla Naturally Frozen Yogurt

2012 is the year of Blue Bunny's frozen yogurt rebranding. It's not a huge re-branding considering last year's design, but they've amped up the green highlights and gone with the new product name tag of "Naturally". Both elements finish off the design to really drive home the 100% natural theme. I'm there a bit of recipe change to accompany them so let's dig in and find out.

Uggg, I couldn't take this picture to save my life the other night, so I gave up.

Gelatida Coffee Fudge Latte Gelato Review

[By Nick] Let me just get this out of the way, I am not a fan of drinking coffee. Sure I'll have an iced coffee every now and again but it's just not my cup of tea. However, as of late I've acquired a growing affection for it in frozen desserts. Be it Stonyfield’s Gotta Have Java frozen yogurt, Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar, or even Almond Dream’s Cappuccino Swirl, something about it keeps me coming back for more. This led me to pick up two different coffee related pints from ice cream source, one of them being today's review, Gelati-da's Coffee Fudge Latte.

The description from their website says “A smooth blend of Columbian arabica coffees with ribbons of rich, no-fat fudge variegate... coffee ice cream lovers will shout 'bravissimo'!”. Now not being a coffee drinker, I have no idea what the differences between coffee beans are, but I can only assume they’re using high quality stuff. Also if you’re like me you have no clue what variegate means. After a quick google search I’ve gained the knowledge that it means to diversify in external appearance especially with different colors. So you’re telling me that fudge isn’t the same color as coffee? Blasphemy! Lastly, if I don’t shout bravissimo, do I get a refund? Okay time to get serious and let’s crack open this pint.

Batch Cinnamon & Chocolate Bits Ice Cream Review

I did a favor for someone at work and in return they have graciously repaid me in ice cream. Being a fellow lover of food, she took the time to get some recommendations and came back with something I've actually had my eye on for awhile now. I was both impressed and excited for my lunchtime treat.

This is Batch Cinnamon & Chocolate Bits ice cream straight out of Jamaica Plain here in Massachusetts (JP is a Boston neighborhood). You can read the whole back story on their website, but basically they live by the idea of "made with real ingredients". The ingredient list on the back is short and the coolest part is that they actually use whole cinnamon sticks.

Magnum Mint Ice Cream Bars

[New for 2012, Retired 2014] I have been on a major midday ice cream kick this week. It's a weird kick though. I can sense I want something specific, but when I head to the store, I can't seem to find whatever it is that I truly want. Today's case in point had me at Target at lunch. Whatever I wanted wasn't part of what they had. I was running low on time so I was trying to get myself revved up for some H-D spiced truffle when...

Magnum Mint Ice Cream Bars

mint ice cream dipped in Belgian milk chocolate and caramelized sugar crunch.

TCBY classic vanilla sandwiches A Frozen Yogurt Treat Review

[New for 2012] I have an addiction that I haven't mentioned in awhile: I love ice cream sandwiches. I mean I LOVE a good old fashion ice cream sandwich. Even a half decent one always inspires me to eat a second one....

thing is

these do not inspire me to eat a second one

These are the new TCBY frozen yogurt classic vanilla sandwiches and they are terrible, like TERRIBLE terrible. (hold on, I need to go rinse my mouth out)

Laloo's Black Mission Fig A Goat's Milk Ice Cream Review

[By Nick, discontinued before 2014] Hello everyone, my name is Nick and I’ll save you my life story. Since Dubba is all incognito I guess I shall be as well. Let’s just say I hail from Upstate New York and I’m in the 18-30 range. Now what qualifies me to have a guest review on this glorious blog? Absolutely nothing. I’m just a guy with a passion for frozen desserts and the writing competency of an 8th grader. So please forgive me in advance for any terrible grammatical errors and things of the like. Now let’s get back to my earlier statement about my love for frozen desserts. Unlike Dubba who tends to prefer his premium ice cream, I tend to enjoy various frozen ice cream-like substances. From almond ice cream to frozen kefir, if it’s frozen I’ll more than likely to like it* which leads us to today’s review of Laloo's Black Mission Fig Goat Milk Ice Cream.

 
*Disclaimer: If it involves coconut I will not even consider touching it. That stuff is beyond vile.

 

LaLoo's Black Mission Fig Goat's Milk Ice Cream

It's an Edy's Miracle!!

I can't believe it! Edy's, also known as Dreyer's on the west coast, is ditching Frozen Dairy Dessert!! Praise the frozen treat deities! Someone had commented this was going to happen, but I just got an official letter (and coupon) announcing the big switch back to "the original recipes". I'm psyched that clearer and calmer heads have prevailed! We spoke with our dollars and our posts and our comments and let Edy's know they needed to return to ice cream. You know, the thing that made them such a big deal in the first place. Edy's was a big part of our ice cream rotation in the late 90s, it'll be cool to have some respect for them again.

Good job Edy's, thanks for listening!

(now check back later, I've got a guest review for all of you)

Turkey Hill Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzel Ice Cream

This has never happened before.... I'm almost embarrassed actually... but, I think I need to hit Market Basket on the way home. You see, this ice cream is so fantastically unique and different that I need to go back to the store and grab up the rest of the containers so I can enjoy this one all year long. I doubt everyone will love this one, but I do, and I'm almost positive I'm going to be really cranky when it's all gone.

Turkey Hill Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzel Ice Cream

brown sugar flavored ice cream with choco pretzels and a pretzel swirl 

State of the Freezer Address The 4 Year Anniversary Edition

Wow, I can't believe today marks the 4th anniversary of my first blog post! I was feeling so sentimental that we almost went out to eat tonight.... but then I just would have filled up on dinner and had no room for some crazy tasty dessert. Going out on a weekday isn't exactly easy, so I had a nice blizzard for lunch. The monthly flavor was sold out, so I went with the best-est blizzard of all time, the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard. So tasty and so easy to make perfect.

Like most blog posts, I've written this one in my head a half dozen times. I've thought about telling grand stories of how things have changed so much. I mean, I was getting like 11 hits a day for the first state of the freezer address, now many days we are over 1100, and I want to thank each and every one of you for checking back and following me as I navigate the 25 billion dollar U.S. ice cream industry with the help of my family, friends and all of your wonderful comments.

This is the upstairs freezer and it doesn't have anything too secretive in it. In fact, half of these items are just our attempts to get my son to enjoy frozen treats. We've got two kinds of coconut milk ice cream, rice dreams, tofutti cuties, edy's fruit bars, and popsicles just for him. On top of that we've got a half dozen containers of previously reviewed flavors plus there is always some B&J froyo around for my wife.

This is the basement freezer where I hide all the stuff that has yet to be reviewed like cool dogs (ice cream hot dogs), the five remaining Wonka flavors, the awesome looking TH pretzel flavor, the new full size Milky Way bars, an ice cream roll, HD spiced biscuit and even a strawberry greek froyo. Oh, and yes, those are those frozen cinnamon soft pretzels in the middle of the photo (hope they are good!)

If you look closely, there are a few more things buried on the other side of the basement freezer. A container of Edy's, more TCBY that I've tried but not reviewed (sorry), some slim-a-bear sandwiches, and a very hidden (green) box of Jamba yogurt & sorbet bars (man I bought those awhile ago, freezer burn might be an issue). Actually I think there are even a few more things buried at the very bottom of the freezer. Oh man, that makes a total of 36 different flavors and treats.... ummm, yeah, I may need to slow down a bit.

As you can see, I am as backlogged as ever. I really wish companies would spread their new products out a bit more. Don't get me wrong, I love the spring 2012 ice cream product line up, it's just so hard to keep up... but man, it sure is fun trying!

Oh geez, it's late and I still need to watch the Castle finale and also see who wins the Voice (hey, I love music, what can I say)... man, I forgot all my stories. I guess I just want to say stick with me. This looks like an awesome season for ice cream and the blog. My short term goal is recovering from long term sleep deprivation, and after that we'll finally see.... well, I hope to see a lot less grammar errors actually. Hehehehe, ok, good night!

Wonka Chocolate Kerfuffle Truffle Ice Cream Review

Welcome back to Wonka Week!
[New for 2012, retired April 2013]

Ok, while I'd love to cover one of these a day, they are way too high octane (fatty) to be downing them like that, no matter how tasty they might be. So, I have to pace myself, but I think 3 hours of yard work justifies a nice treat. Let's dig in!

Oh man, I did it again, hold on....

There we go!

Wonka Kerfuffle Truffle

(not kerfluffle truffle)

Chocolate Ice Cream with Chocolate Truffles & Swirls of Fudge

Wonka Caramel Nut Kadoozle Ice Cream Review

[New for 2012, retired April 2013] Oh, Wonka Wonka Wonka, let's see a show of hands of who's read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Come on, get them up, it's not like anyone will notice. OK, let me count.... yup, that confirms my suspicions, you're all as crazy as me Mr. Wonka! Now, put those hands down so we can dig in!

Less than two weeks ago, Wonka, the name that is now used to brand Nerds, Laffy Taffy, and a bunch of other candy from our childhood, has announced they are getting into the ice cream game. Brilliant marketing move? Yeah, I would say. Ice cream has always been about fun and feeling better, so what better way to grab some market share then by introducing a truly fun ice cream.

The only catch (bad news) is that it is only available to a small section of the west coast (mainly northern California). Luckily, the fine folks of the Wonka PR team agreed to send me a sample of each flavor. Big thanks to them for this opportunity to show you guys all the new flavors.

Ok, I know you are just as excited as I am, so no more delays, let's dig in!

No no no, something ain't right here

(and I'm not talking about Mister Fuzzy Cam)

Ahhh, that's better!

Caramel Nut Kadoozle - now, that's just fun to say!

Caramel Ice Cream with a mixed nut brittle & walnut caramel swirl

(And by mixed, they mean peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews and pecans)

Brigham's S'mores Ice Cream Review

So how many days has it been since I've mentioned my love of graham? It's just one of those things that I love, specifically when it's a graham cracker crust. Oh, I'm a sucker for a graham cracker crust.... Great, now I want a slice of chocolate cream pie. Anyway,  must focus.

This is special flavor Brigham's S'mores Ice Cream and I nearly wept (tears of joy) when I read the description: Graham Flavored Ice Cream with Marshmallow Swirl and Chocolate Chips. That's right, graham flavored ice cream. I love a good graham swirl, but I am psyched about graham ice cream. National brand S'mores isn't new, but an actually graham flavored based is something that I've only seen attempted locally once before.

Who wants a slice of Voltron cake?

You know how I tend to try too hard when I make cupcakes or cookies? Yeah, well, I apply that same over the top philosophy to cake baking, too. A quick Google image search only reveals this frosted Voltron and this fondant Voltron. Let's see if we can't add a third Voltron to the mix.

Disclaimer: Look, I'm not pretending like I'm some skilled cake artist here. In retrospect, I can think of at least a dozen things I did wrong or could have done better. That said, it was just meant to be fun and different and one of a kind. Birthday cakes are a special thing and should be treated as such. Just use your imagination and the person that you give it to will appreciate it.

 Now, Children of the 80s unite!

This is my tasty buddy Voltron.

Well, he was my buddy before we ate him.

I'd say he came out more fun than accurate.

It took 2 boxes of cake mix, 2 tubs of frosting, 

4 tubes of cake icing and 8 jelly beans for the eyes to complete him.

I've messed around a little with cake decorating before, but nothing that was ever this elaborate.

(note: The white frosting is "fluffy white" and was pretty runny).

The good allergy news is that he's nut free, dairy free, and egg free. 

(I love Ener-G egg replacer.)

Cake Voltron is made up of a double layer chocolate center (9" cake pans)

and vanilla arms and legs (courtesy of some food dye and tiny disposable baking tins).

I looked over at the cake and realized the Green Lion was smiling.

Like I said, I could have done a bunch of things differently like make my own frosting which would have been easier to work with and resulted in a neater and cleaner cake. Also, I would have given him his wings and made his face look a lot fancier. That said, he's still cute, he serves twelve, and we will all miss him.