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Enjoy the Frozen Pumpkin Trend in Your Own Kitchen

Katie Sweeney — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:30:39 PDT

The pumpkin frozen yogurt trend is still on its sweet streak, while pumpkin smoothies have popped up at Jamba Juice. But how does the flavor translate at home? Only one way to find out: make pumpkin ice cream! That's what I did and the resulting cold treat is insanely delicious and absolutely satisfying. It has a gorgeous Fall hue, rich pumpkin flavor, and creamy thick texture. Classic pumpkin pie spices and a splash of bourbon give the ice cream a nice, homemade depth. I served it with buttermilk spice cake, but it would be scrumptious sandwiched between two cookies or slathered with hot fudge sauce on a brownie sundae. Interested in the recipe? Look at it after the jump.

Get Up Close and Personal With Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls

Susannah Chen — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:59:20 PDT

What do Ben & Jerry's fans and Saturday Night Live viewers have in common? They both love Schweddy Balls.

With the holidays fast approaching, Ben & Jerry's wants you to get up close and personal with its latest flavor, Schweddy Balls, based on Alec Baldwin and Molly Shannon's famously punny SNL Christmastime skit. The creamery starts with vanilla ice cream, which is infused with rum and "loaded" with fudge covered rum and malt balls.

Hopefully, Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls are here to stay for your pleasure. I can't wait to taste test this new creation. Will you be able to resist?

Source

Burning Question: What Makes Ice Cream Neapolitan?

Susannah Chen — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:31:17 PDT

Neapolitan ice cream is known for its side-by-side layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. But what does a tri-flavored ice cream have to do with the province of Naples? The origins date back to the late 1800s, when Neapolitan immigrants arrived in America with a vast knowledge of desserts. One of the sweets they introduced to America was spumoni, an Italian ice cream that was typically molded and contained three flavors of ice cream, such as chocolate and pistachio, each with a layer of fruit and nuts in between them. This "Neapolitan-style ice cream" caught on in the United States, taking on the most popular flavors in America - vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry - a legacy that's still popular today.

Got a burning question? Join the Burning Question group in the YumSugar Community! It's your place to post the most pressing questions about the culinary world.

Source: Flickr User Debs (ò‿ó)♪

Which Popular US Chain Restaurant Dish Has More Calories?

Heather Dale — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:14:24 PDT

They tempt our tastebuds and add inches to our waistlines. As Sheryl Crow would say, "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." Unfortunately this isn't the case with these popular dishes from various chain restaurants across the US. Take this quiz to see what the results are - I promise some shockers!

Source: Flickr User tedeytan

Take the Quiz

Simple Tip: Don't Overfill Your Ice Cream Maker

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 03:44:16 PDT

The other day I was making ice cream and I filled the frozen container to the very top. About 20 minutes later when I went to check on the consistency, I was shocked to find the machine overflowing with soupy ice cream! I totally forgot that as the mixture thickens, it increases in volume. This is especially important to remember if you plan on adding in something (chopped candy, fresh fruit) at the last minute.

Have you ever had a messy accident with your ice cream maker?

The Ultimate Ice Cream Social Menu

Katie Sweeney — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:55:01 PDT

Here's a fun idea for a party that both children and adults will enjoy: an ice cream social! This traditional gathering, which dates back to the 18th century, is a great way to get people together. It makes a delicious event during the Summer when the weather is hot, so why not throw one now before the kids head back to school? From scrumptious sauces to marvelous mix-ins, here's the perfect menu for the ultimate ice cream bar.

Scream For It! Butterscotch Ice Cream

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:27:40 PDT

What's cold, creamy, and buttery? Butterscotch ice cream! If you've never made butterscotch before, don't be intimidated; it's much easier than making caramel. You simply put brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a saute pan and heat it until the mixture magically turns into a rich golden brown syrup. The ice cream base is made in the traditional custard method with egg yolks, cream, and half and half. Like most ice cream recipes, you'll need to get started a couple of days before you want to enjoy it. It's worth the effort especially when served with peach pie. Read more to look at the recipe.

Can You Scoop These Ice Cream Facts?

Susannah Chen — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:34:05 PDT

All Summer long, we've been screaming for the most beloved beat-the-heat treat: ice cream! Whether it's sandwiched by cookies, lobbed onto a float, scooped into a bowl, or on a stick, there's no better way to cool off. In honor of my immense appreciation for this crowd-pleasing dessert, I'm testing your knowledge of ice cream. Can you tackle these fun facts, or has all of your ice cream knowledge melted way?

Take the Quiz

Scream For It! No-Egg Maple Walnut Ice Cream

Susannah Chen — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:03:34 PDT

It's easy to be intimidated by the prospect of making your own ice cream - after all, it's one of the few dishes that requires its own dedicated piece of equipment. Use an ice cream maker once, however, and you'll find that it's the easiest appliance you'll ever need to use. In truth, that's not the tricky part; tempering your ice cream is.

To eliminate any potential disaster on your first ice cream try, start out with a recipe that doesn't call for an egg yolk or custard base. That way, you won't have to worry about your egg yolks curdling or scrambling, or the lengthy cooling time that follows. While gelato and frozen sorbet contain eggs, ice cream in its purest incarnation actually doesn't. This light, airy ice cream incorporates the rich flavors of maple syrup and walnuts with cream and a touch of milk. Beginners, if you're interested, keep reading for the basic recipe.

Guilt-Free Frozen Treats

Prevention — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:47:30 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

Sorbets, ice cream sandwiches, and other healthy frozen desserts
By Molly Raisch, Prevention

Ice cream is the perfect remedy to steamy, hot weather, but sometimes the calorie counts on the carton are downright scary. That's why we found frozen desserts that don't melt under scrutiny. These healthy treats get our vote (with a cherry on top!).

Nondairy
So Delicious Dairy Free Vanilla Frozen Dessert (½ cup)
Nutrition: 130 cal; 1 g pro; 13 g sugar; 3 g fiber; 3 g fat
Like: This soy treat tastes just like the real deal, making it perfect for people who have lactose intolerance.
Healthy takeaway: Some dairy-free varieties — based on soy, coconut, and rice milk — can be high in fat and sugar.

10 Delicious Ways to Use an Ice Cream Cone

Reduced Calorie

Breyers French Chocolate Fat Free (½ cup)
Nutrition: 90 cal; 3 g pro; 13 g sugar; 4 g fiber; 0 g fat
Like: Our pick has less fat than many premium frozen desserts and also boasts fiber, which gives it more texture.
Healthy takeaway: Be cautious about fudge ribbons, which are mostly corn syrup with a dab of artificial dye.

Guilt-Free Ice Cream Cake Recipe You'll Love!

Frozen Yogurt
Stonyfield Farm Organic Nonfat Frozen Yogurt (½ cup)
Nutrition: 100 cal; 4 g pro; 18 g sugar; 1 g fiber; 0 g fat
Like: This carton is packed with the good-for-your-gut bacteria that we love in yogurt.
Healthy takeaway: Other fro-yos lure you in by touting their "live and active cultures," but the actual yogurt portion can be minuscule.

Three more choices when you keep reading!