Ice Cream Etiquette

In honor of National Ice Cream Month, I thought I’d share a few “hot” tips on the fun and friendly protocol of Ice Cream Etiquette! One of my favorite ice cream makers, Blue Bell Ice Cream, has been creating yummy flavors for 106 years. I asked Jenny Anderson, Public Relations Coordinator for Blue Bell Creameries what their most popular flavor was, and she said it’s Blue Bell Signature Homemade Vanilla. Coincidentally, it’s my favorite too! Cookies and Cream is also quite popular, with Dutch Chocolate coming in third. Here’s a bit of ice cream trivia – if you say Orange Sherbet is your favorite, you wouldn’t be talking about ice cream at all. If you are interested in the difference, check out this short tutorial, here. 

Dashrecipes.com features some interesting flavors such as Pear and blue cheese, Bacon Peanut, and Roasted Beets and Fresh Mint. How would you like to take a refreshing bite into a big bowl of Avocado Chocolate Chip ice cream. You can find this, and other ice cream ideas on Recipe Newz. If you have little ones, this ice cream in a bag project may be a fun summer activity, see here. As for me, I think I’ll stick to my good old fashioned Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla, with a generous swoosh of chocolate syrup. On to some serious ice cream etiquette Q and A’s:

Do I use a knife, fork or spoon?

Believe it or not, a knife can be used when eating certain types of ice cream dishes.  To cut the ice cream in “slices” Real Simple Magazine suggests placing a cylinder of ice cream (carton included) on a cutting board and cutting it in half lengthwise to create two half circles. Turning each half cut side down, toss the carton and cut the half into slices.

They also suggest scooping ice cream into a muffin tin, using baking cups, letting them freeze and then placing them on each individual plate. Cute, not sure how much time or energy it saves.

How should I eat an ice cream cake?

In short, whatever method is easiest for you to get the cake and ice cream treat to your mouth. I suggest slicing it with a knife, then following up with a fork or spoon.  The trick to efficiently cutting an ice cream cake is to hold the knife under hot running water for a few seconds so it will easily glide through the frozen confection.

What are some common ice cream faux pas?

• Allowing your ice cream cone to drip down the sides of your fingers and hands and using your slacks as a napkin…unless you are at the park and no one else sees you!
• Taking a lick of the cone and using such force the entire 2 scoops falls off the cone, onto the sidewalk. Now you must pick it up, or move it out of the way from passerby’s.
• Biting the end of the cone and sucking all the ice cream out from the bottom…in front of your best client.
• Eating your ice cream in front of your friends and not offering to share.

Is there a formal way to eat ice cream and cake or pie?

When I serve my Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla along with my mother’s recipe for cherry pie (the best ever!), I preset the dessert utensils above the plate, offering both a fork and spoon. Some people prefer to eat the entire dish with a spoon, while others need a little help from their fork. A  good host won’t care about their guest’s utensil savvy as much as they will appreciate the sincere accolades over the meal and dessert. But when in doubt, here is the Etiquette of Properly Using a Spoon and Fork:

Hold your fork in your left hand, spoon in the right. The spoon will be used to cut, scoop and maneuver the ice cream and cake or pie to your mouth. The fork, using the tines as a stabilizer, will keep the food secure so that it doesn’t slide off the plate.  If you are only served a soft dessert, such as ice cream, Crème Brulee, pudding or mousse, using a spoon is sufficient. If you are served a tart and having difficulty cutting the crust, use the side of the spoon for assistance. Just don’t pick the entire tart up with your hands and take a bite!

Sunday, July 21^st is National Ice Cream Day – stock up now and make your entire family happy!