"Vanilla is no. 1; Travers wine tasting" by Food Forum

Vanilla is No. 1

What’s the most popular ice cream in the United States? If you guessed vanilla, you are correct.

Here are the nation’s top 10 ice cream flavors as measured by percentage of sales for in-home consumption over the past year:

1. Vanilla, 26 percent

2. Chocolate, 12.9

3. Neopolitan (vanilla/chocolate/strawberry), 4.8

4. Strawberry, 4.3

5. Cookies n’ cream, 4.0

6. Chocolate chip, 3.8

7. Butter pecan, 3.2

8. Chocolate mint, 3.2

9. Vanilla and chocolate, 1.9

10. Rocky road, 1.6.

Ice cream tips

A crust of ice crystals on leftover ice cream can put a definite damper on that midnight hankering. Follow these tips to prevent their formation:

— “Temper” ice cream before you scoop — leave it at room temperature for 8 to 10 minutes before serving, and return ice cream to the freezer immediately after it has been served to minimize the formation of ice crystals. Forget what you’ve heard about nuking it for 10 to 20 seconds.

Serve ice cream in chilled bowls, preferably glass. Not only is the frosted bowl refreshing to look at, but the ice cream will retain its shape longer.

— For scooping ice cream, have a large Pyrex measuring cup or other heat-proof container filled with just boiling water standing by. Dip the metal scoop into the hot water, let it heat up for a moment and then dry the scoop on a towel.

— Quickly drag the hot scoop across the ice cream creating tight rolls of the divine stuff. Do not smash the ice cream with the scoop. Think ribbons, not chunks. Repeat the process for each serving.

— To store opened ice cream, first place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface and smooth it down lightly with your fingers. Then close the lid securely (use a rubber band if you have to) and return to the depths of your freezer.

Travers wine tasting

Senior Services of Albany is presenting its 10th Annual Travers Wine Tasting at 7 p.m. Friday, August 22, at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs.

The event benefits the Meals On Wheels program and other senior-related services.
The evening will feature a wine tasting of 200 upscale wines and beer from around the globe, all complemented by cuisine from the areas finest caterers and restaurateurs including: DP Brasserie, McGuire’s, Yono’s, Glen Sanders Mansion, Vin Santo Tapas & Wine Bar, Hattie’s, Classe Catering, The Farmhouse Table, and Springwater Bistro.

Some new features this year will be the “Speakeasy Courtyard” for the cigar and scotch enthusiast and a “Jazz Lounge” featuring Jill Hughes and her trio.

Bid on dozens of distinctive food, wine, travel, art, theater and sport packages. Enjoy desserts and a live auction featuring a one-year lease on a 2008 Audi, furs, jewelry and more.

Tickets are $125 per person and are available by calling 463-4381 or visiting online at www.seniorservicesofalbany.com.

Reader feedback is always welcome. Add your comments below or write to Gazette reporter Elysia Nest at nest@dailygazette.com