Wow! You certainly experimented here, Amanda! I’m reminded of the short story, “Lost in the Funhouse” by the recently deceased John Barth. Barth uses self-conscious writing to capture the self-consciousness of his adolescent character and in so doing reveals the self-conscious writer himself - then delights (or else laughs nervously) at the fiasco he’s created.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and then for taking the extra time to share your kind words! I truly appreciate it. I'm very glad to have you as a reader!
*grabs a pint of jenis brown butter almond brittle and a spoon* 🍨 🥄
This was so fun to read. My grandfather loved Kraft American cheese, Oscar Mayer bacon, wonder bread, and Oreos. When I was gluten free for a time and would order at a restaurant he’d say ”I’ll take her gluten”. Food trends were not for him. The more preservatives the better. This made me laugh and think of him. What a fun essay.
You have a lot of fancy ice cream flavours in the USA! Pistachio is about as fancy as I get. With that said, I haven't seen (or tasted) chocolate chip flavour in years.
And apparently you're not alone in that regard! Thanks so much for taking the time to read (and comment)! I love the engagement and truly appreciate your time!
Hi Amanda, this feels like when they announced that Hostess Twinkies were going away, but aren't they back on the shelves now? Maybe there will be a vanilla chocolate chip resurgence, or protest on behalf of this beloved flavor.
Thank you, Lani! Definitely hoping for a resurgence...and I'm glad you liked the audio version. It's harder than it sounds, and I really appreciate the feedback!
As a former Carvel ice-cream scooper/maker, I can say that in the olden days (summer of 1981 when I worked at Carvel in Suniland, making the chocolate chip by sprinkling a layer of mini-chocolate chips—not too many, they're expensive—between layers of soft vanilla that we would put in the freezer to harden, and listening to Y100 play “The One That You Love” by Air Supply, “Who’s Crying Now” by Journey, and "Urgent" by Foreigner on an endless loop), chocolate chip ice cream was one of the stalwart flavors. We alway had extra, because it always sold (though I was a fan of chocolate-chocolate chip myself). I hadn't thought about carvel in years, but this brought it all back to life.
I love your essays. My thought- if vanilla chocolate chip is ‘boring’, what does that make plain vanilla? Unless it is going on a piece of hot pie, they can archive that one too, in my opinion.
Now I’m craving ice cream. But I eat homemade, non dairy, agave sweetened ice cream. My favorite is vanilla with Hu dark chocolate chips. I highly recommend investing in an ice cream making machine. It’s fab.
That picture of the rocket!! I could almost hear it.
Bespoke Vanilla Chocolate Chip! We had an ice cream maker from the day we were married. Never opened it. I'm pretty sure one of my kids have it now....
There's another rocket launch tonight around 8:30! If you're in SoCal, grab some ice cream and go outside!
Wow! You certainly experimented here, Amanda! I’m reminded of the short story, “Lost in the Funhouse” by the recently deceased John Barth. Barth uses self-conscious writing to capture the self-consciousness of his adolescent character and in so doing reveals the self-conscious writer himself - then delights (or else laughs nervously) at the fiasco he’s created.
Hi Krista,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and then for taking the extra time to share your kind words! I truly appreciate it. I'm very glad to have you as a reader!
Amanda
*grabs a pint of jenis brown butter almond brittle and a spoon* 🍨 🥄
This was so fun to read. My grandfather loved Kraft American cheese, Oscar Mayer bacon, wonder bread, and Oreos. When I was gluten free for a time and would order at a restaurant he’d say ”I’ll take her gluten”. Food trends were not for him. The more preservatives the better. This made me laugh and think of him. What a fun essay.
Enjoyed all the references and connections to our days of youth.
Thanks, Kirsten! But what's your favorite ice cream flavor??
Well, I will say, lately, it is Dulce de leche! Or lavender from the fancy ice cream store!
You have a lot of fancy ice cream flavours in the USA! Pistachio is about as fancy as I get. With that said, I haven't seen (or tasted) chocolate chip flavour in years.
And apparently you're not alone in that regard! Thanks so much for taking the time to read (and comment)! I love the engagement and truly appreciate your time!
Love this essay! Brings back great memories of my favorite ice cream!
Hi Amanda, this feels like when they announced that Hostess Twinkies were going away, but aren't they back on the shelves now? Maybe there will be a vanilla chocolate chip resurgence, or protest on behalf of this beloved flavor.
P.S. enjoyed your audio version
Thank you, Lani! Definitely hoping for a resurgence...and I'm glad you liked the audio version. It's harder than it sounds, and I really appreciate the feedback!
As a former Carvel ice-cream scooper/maker, I can say that in the olden days (summer of 1981 when I worked at Carvel in Suniland, making the chocolate chip by sprinkling a layer of mini-chocolate chips—not too many, they're expensive—between layers of soft vanilla that we would put in the freezer to harden, and listening to Y100 play “The One That You Love” by Air Supply, “Who’s Crying Now” by Journey, and "Urgent" by Foreigner on an endless loop), chocolate chip ice cream was one of the stalwart flavors. We alway had extra, because it always sold (though I was a fan of chocolate-chocolate chip myself). I hadn't thought about carvel in years, but this brought it all back to life.
Loved this essay. Now I want some ice cream.
And I'm craving a Fudgie the Whale Cake!!
I love your essays. My thought- if vanilla chocolate chip is ‘boring’, what does that make plain vanilla? Unless it is going on a piece of hot pie, they can archive that one too, in my opinion.
I guess it depends on what kind of pie? (But totally agree, it has to be hot!)
I just finished my cookies and cream yogurt. I hope mint chocolate chip isn’t next on the chopping block. Lol
Now I’m craving ice cream. But I eat homemade, non dairy, agave sweetened ice cream. My favorite is vanilla with Hu dark chocolate chips. I highly recommend investing in an ice cream making machine. It’s fab.
That picture of the rocket!! I could almost hear it.
Bespoke Vanilla Chocolate Chip! We had an ice cream maker from the day we were married. Never opened it. I'm pretty sure one of my kids have it now....
There's another rocket launch tonight around 8:30! If you're in SoCal, grab some ice cream and go outside!