MCCONNELL’S
Fine ICE CREAMs
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”
‘Tis The Season For Ice Cream
Has anyone else ever noticed that December seems to be a month of numbered lists? It’s as if there’s something in the crisp air that causes people to develop a special affinity toward digits and organized countdowns. Don’t believe me? Let’s start with the holidays. There’s the eight nights of Hanukkah and the 12 days of Christmas. The entire world even joins in unison to vocalize the final 10 seconds of the year. And that’s just the beginning. There are numbered grocery lists, shopping lists—even Santa has a list. One that he checks, twice. So I thought, why not one more numbered compilation? But this time, it should be something new and original, perhaps slightly unexpected.
So without further ado, I give you an original countdown—one that may leave your eyes wide and your mouth watering (look out for my recommendations for guidance): 10 Reasons Why ’Tis the Season for Ice Cream
That’s right; ice cream was made for December. Before you call me crazy, allow me the chance to convince you. To do so, I’ve enlisted help from the best, Santa Barbara’s own McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and Rori’s Artisanal Creamery. With the generous help of these homegrown establishments, and perhaps overly generous samplings of their famous flavors, I will hopefully leave you with an open mind and serious sweet tooth.
10. Festive Flavors
Ice cream is fantastic. We can all agree on that. But what is it that makes ice cream so good? I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s beyond the creaminess of the freshly churned milk product. I think ice cream’s greatest appeal is its magical ability to host such a variety of flavors. The coolness of Mint and Chip; the sweet, chewy chunks hidden inside Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough; the buttery richness of Pecan Pralines. I’m convinced that all that’s good in the ice cream world can be traced back to this one thing: the potential of each scoop to feature a unique flavor. This is the very reason why December is an ideal month to consider going out for these creamy creations. Unlike any other month, December features a sampling of limited-time only flavors—flavors far beyond the Cookies and Cream that you can get all year long. I sought out McConnell’s for a little backup. Michael Palmer, co-owner with his wife, Eva, was quick to go through a refined list of their newly featured flavors. Along with the fan-favorite Peppermint Stick, McConnell’s crafted Eggnog, made with Sri Lankan cinnamon, nutmeg and a “smidgen of rum- spiked sweetness,” as he put it. I won’t argue with that, Michael. However, it’s what they’ve whipped up next that serves as my recommended flavor.
My recommendation: CARDAMOM & GINGERSNAPS from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. Because you just can’t get any more festive than a gingersnap.
9. Weather or Not
Ice cream might be summer day synonymous but it’s time to rethink this. If you live in a region where your inaugural winter month hosts temperatures ranging from 50-65°F, I’d say ice cream is quite acceptable. As the lucky ones to be enjoying a Santa Barbara winter, we owe it to our compatriots across the country who are doubling up on socks and scraping ice off their windshields. We’ll have a scoop or two in their honor. However, I might be so bold as to recommend ice cream to even those folks. After long days in overcoats and repeat evenings by the fire, you might want something cool and refreshing. So no matter which climate, ice cream is still calling your name.
My recommendation: WHISKEY & PECAN PRALINES from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. I predict the warming effect will settle in after a couple of spoonfuls.
8. The Favorite Accompaniment
Have you noticed how every baked good seems to make an appearance in the winter? In fact, it seems to be the season they shine brightest. Our kitchens are filled with warm pies from the oven and cookies by the dozen. Well, I say that they need an appropriate counterpart. What goes better with a triangle of piping hot pie than a round scoop of ice cream? Or what if you want to indulge in two fresh cookies at once? Won’t you be needing a filling to allow them to sandwich together? That’s where ice cream saves the day. Before you know it, you’ll wonder why you ever questioned if you should invite ice cream to the party.
My recommendation: CLASSIC VANILLA BEAN from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery. The smooth and silky ice cream standard will be sure to complement any gooey pairing.
7. Crowd Pleaser
Now that the holidays are in full swing and family members will soon be at your doorstep, be prepared with ice cream by your side. When conflict arises over which movie to watch or where to go for dinner, give your family the simple suggestion of an ice cream outing. I am convinced that you’ll be met with all smiles. Suddenly, the plethora of differing opinions will find a happy medium in the velvety goodness of Toasted Coconut Almond Chip at McConnell’s or the crumbly graham cracker crust of NY Strawberry Cheesecake at Rori’s. It’s like they always say, “Only a sweet tooth can bring generations together”—and if that isn’t a famous saying, I have familial proof that it should be.
My recommendation: CINNAMON APPLE PIE from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery. Perfect for children, grandparents, Aunt Carol and Uncle Walter, alike. (It’s sure to win the approval of your tagalong distant cousin, as well).
6. Much-Needed Energy Boost
These four weeks of December are among the busiest weeks of the entire year. Before we get to kick up our feet to relax and ring in the New Year, our days are completely filled to the brim. We’re tying up loose ends at work, digging through department store inventory to find the perfect presents, sending heart- warming cards, attending snazzy parties, and trying not to pull our hair out from the stress. The only thing we seem to neglect during this time of year is our routine ice cream fix. However, I say, what better way to refuel for the holiday madness than with a sweet, high caloric treat? After all, we could use a little extra this time of year, right? Anyone? Okay, who am I kidding— however, it will give you that welcomed jolt (sugar rush) as you dot the rest of your i’s and cross your final t’s.
My recommendation: CUP O’ JOE SPINELLI (ESPRESSO) from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery. The caffeine + sugar combo will have you knocking off your to-do list items like a champ.
5. Celebratory Scoops
With Thanksgiving just behind us and the New Year fast approaching, I usually find myself reflecting on the major celebrations and milestones that graced my year. I’m sure like many of you, I celebrated major life events with my family and friends like weddings, birthdays, new jobs, and new opportunities. And although each special occasion had it’s own traditions, the majority of them had ice cream in attendance. Why is that? It’s because of Reason #5: Ice cream is a leading symbol for celebration. Any time someone whips out a carton from the freezer and grabs for the metal scooper, you know it’s party time. Not many other things in life can give you that guarantee. So as the days of this twelfth month are filled with special events and milestones, why are we just now claiming ice cream as the official mascot? Well, better late than never.
My recommendation: DOUBLE PEANUT BUTTER CHIP from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. This outrageous version of a crowd favorite will have you celebrating whoever thought to add peanut butter to ice cream in the first place.
4. Originality Rules
Since when do we consult the status quo on something as fun and daring as dessert? December is the perfect month to abandon everything we’ve been taught about seasonal treats. Be original. Rethink the norm. Go against the grain—or in this case, go against the smooth, dark ribbons of midnight chocolate or the thick, buttery stripes of sweet and salty caramel. The last time I checked, creative thinking and spontaneity were officially in. So grab a friend or two and get yourselves a cone with confidence. Life is too short to not be filled with little moments of impromptu Coconut & Cream or Eureka Lemon & Marionberries.
My recommendation: CHURROS CON LECHE from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. Maybe even more decadent than a freshly-made churro is a freshly-made churro drenched in silky, smooth cream and a dash of spicy cinnamon. You will surely be rewarded for going the non-traditional route on this one.
3. Time Out
My third reason for advocating ice cream during this wintry season has little to do with the weather. It also has little to do with your in-laws or any other people in your life, for that matter. Instead, I propose you indulge in your favorite flavor or two simply for yourself. Take a break from all the commotion (see Reason 6) and schedule some ‘me time’—accompanied by the sweet treat of course. Setting aside the extra time in your week to enjoy a waffle cone might help put things in perspective. I’m convinced that the age-old suggestion to ‘take time to smell the roses’ can be reinterpreted as ‘take time to smell the Fresh Mint Patty or Honey Lavender.’ Let ice cream remind you that simplicity is as good for the soul as it is for the taste buds.
My recommendation: EARL GREY from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery. Along with Rori’s other organic offerings, EARL GREY pays tribute to its namesake beautifully, with aromatic orange undertones and a creamy finish.
2. Old Fashioned
Life is changing, and it’s changing fast. Have you ever stopped to consider how different our lives are from those of our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents? Most of our day-to-day activities hardly resemble theirs at all. Except for ice cream. Not much has changed about ice cream. Just like our grandparents, our craving is strong—strong enough to cause us to hop in the car, drive to our local ice cream shop, sample a few flavors, and leave happily with a cone or cup in hand. It’s almost as if getting ice cream gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling because you know you’re partaking in a time-tested tradition. Well, I say let’s rally together to keep the tradition alive.
My recommendations: WHITE CHOCOLATE WITH HOMEMADE CANDY CANE from Rori’s Artisanal Creamery and SEA SALT CREAM & COOKIES from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. Both options feature traditional flavors and solid pairings that are sure to stand the test of time.
1. One Size Fits All
Ice cream is always a good idea—for everyone. This long- awaited, top reason is one we’ve carried in the back of our minds since we each took our very first bite. Our toddler selves got a lick of plain vanilla on a cone and there was no turning back. We’re hooked for life. So why should we abandon ice cream in December? We shouldn’t. It’s as easy as that. And trust me, you won’t have much opposition to this blanket statement. Ice cream loves everyone and everyone loves ice cream. Have you ever seen an unhappy person eating ice cream?
Neither have I. That’s because bits of rich chocolate chip, deep black cherry, swirly strawberry, and crunchy coconut remind you that life really is sweeter with ice cream.