As I write this, summer is still on. By the time this posts, the Equinox will have passed. Actually, it is still feeling pretty summery in northwest Vermont, during daytime hours, anyway. It was warm and muggy today though, mercifully, less buggy than a month ago. Evenings are noticeably cooler.
So there's plenty enough summer left for ice cream. This week's recipe was Aztec "Hot" Chocolate Ice Cream from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz. The Hot comes from chile powder. I used smoky ancho. I also chose semisweet chocolate over bittersweet in an effort to cut into the richness of this effort.
The ice cream turned out well, definitely spicy. You feel the burn in the back of your throat. I don't know if I'd make it again but it was a worthy experiment.
Ancho isn't my favorite, not spicy enough. I tend toward chipolte and cayenne.
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, I'd agree with you, though I think going any hotter with this recipe would have been a mistake. There was enough heat to remind you it was there, though not enough to scare you off. It's quite a provocative combo.
DeleteTAS: I've done a lot of experimenting with spicy hot chocolate (mochas, actually), and moved past ancho. I think I wouldn't be satisfied with it in ice cream, either.
DeleteI love David Lebovitz's chocolate recipes and I really love the blend of chocolate and chilly. Yum. It's spring down under. Still plenty hot enough for ice cream.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!
DeleteThat sounds delicious and a surprisingly good idea. Ironically enough when your body heats up its more effective at cooling yourself. When you eat something cold it makes your body try to warm itself. Useless trivia but the recipe sounds awesome.
ReplyDeleteFollowing your exact line of thinking here, the Japanese have long advocated the idea of hot soup on a hot day. Seems counter-intuitive and yet it works.
DeleteIt definitely sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind trying it once- but I am not sure it is something I would want a lot. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Jess
That's how I feel about it, too. It's fun playing around with flavors. It's surprising what tastes can complement one another.
DeleteNot sure how I feel about spicy ice cream, but I'd totally give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI recommend trying it.
DeleteThat chocolate makes my heart rate speed up, which isn't good. But, oh how I love it.
ReplyDeleteMe, too...
DeleteI love learning to do new things. One for the books for you. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, glad to have tried it.
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