Turkey Hill’s official ice cream taster, Ernie, oversees all ice cream making operations throughout the Dairy. We call him the “Einstein of Ice Cream” and you can ask him a question using the “Ask Ernie” link in the right hand sidebar. All questions will receive a personal answer and some — like this one — will be featured here on the Ice Cream Journal.
Michelle S. of Long Island, NY asks: “You’ve been tasting ice cream for a living for a long time (lucky!). Of all the flavors you’ve sampled, what’s your all time favorite?
That’s a tough one (sort of). I could go the safe route and say “I like them all equally,” but we all know that’s not true. I love ice cream, even if you think I wouldn’t because I work around it all day, but some flavors do rise to the top in terms of personal preference.
Truthfully, I get the most enjoyment out of eating vanilla ice cream flavored with pure vanilla. This allows me to taste all the rich dairy ingredients which makes up the base for so many flavors.
If I must pick a flavor other than vanilla, it is a toss up between butter pecan and black raspberry. Hmm, I think I’ll stroll down to our Research & Development Center and scoop an “Ernie sized” bowl of all three. That’s my version of Neapolitan!
Tags: ernie, ice cream, turkey hill
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
my favorite is coffee… yum
My favorite Turkey Hill ice cream is chocolate chip cookie dough!
Ernie, if you are ever thinking of retiring, could I take your place?
I haven’t had butter pecan in sooo long! I think I need to go shopping.
You got it, Brooke! Unfortunately, I’m not going anywhere any time soon!
- Ernie
Ice Cream this the very best treat!
Ice Cream this the best treat!
Oooh, butter pecan and black raspberry – that sounds like it would make a good double-scoop ice cream cone!
Vanilla and Strawberry are my favorites. Mixing them together is a piece of heaven.
You are so lucky! Ice cream is my favorite food in the whole world!
MMMM!!! MAKES ME WANT TO SCOOP UP VANILLA DRIZZLED WITH MAPLE SYRUP! TALK ABOUT TASTY
I like a lot of the flavors, but I’m pretty simple at heart. Love Dutch Chocolate!
I would have to say my all time favorite is good old Vanilla, but I love Butter Pecan too and Strawberry!
Neopolitan without chocolate? Heaven forbid! Still, I agree with Ernie that pure vanilla is heaven.
Turkey Hill Light Recipe Moose Tracks is by far the best ice cream I’ve ever had. No other brand even comes close!!!
wow you have good taste! i’d also have to add mint choc chip to the butter pecan and black raspberry!
Sounds like a “cool” job! But I’d be a sucker for 3 scoops of coffee icecream.
My favorite is Chocolate Marshmallow and the best part is the marshamallow and Turkey Hill is the ONLY brand that has lots of it. I have tried them all and there is NO comparison. MY other favorite is Butterscotch Vanilla which no one seems to make anymore. I love the two of them together.
For many years I only liked Vanilla ice cream. Then I discovered Turkey Hill and its many flavors! Now I enjoy Cookie & Cream, Party Cake & Tin Roof Sundae!
It is very hard to just pick one!
Vanilla definately is my favorite.
Ditto on Ernie’s picks—I always put fruit on my Vanilla ice cream—just finished up picking and freezing 60 quarts of strawberries
I have to say Turkey Hill has the best variety which is why it is hard to choose one flavor! Rocky Road, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, and Vanilla!!!
Most definitely blueberry cheesecake!
VANILLA!
Best Job Ever!!!!!
I love pumpkin ice cream, and also peanut butter. It is hard to find peanut butter ice cream that doesn’t also have chocolate in it (chocolate-hater here). TH has not one, not two, but THREE wonderful peanut butter sans chocolate varieties:
Peanut Butter Ripple, Peanut Butter Mania, and Peanut Brittle! AMAZING!!
I would like to try the blueberry cheesecake icecream.
Lots of favorites here, but I’d love to try Ernie’s brand of neopolitan!!!!
There isn’t an ice cream flavor I don’t like, but life is too short to have a plain flavor like vanilla.
Ernie’s so right. There’s nothing better than a pure, true vanilla. but if there was it’d definitely be black raspberry
Ok, how do you get a job to be an Ice Cream taster? lol I like Ice Cream with chocolate chips–rich and quality chips…YUM
The light Strawberry Cheesecake is so yummy!
Ernie has the best job in the world. It is so amazing that he gets to try all the flavors, and still loves just pure vanilla. It shows how good Turkey Hill really is.
Vanilla is always the best, but let’s see I like Chocolate, Moose Tracks, Orange swirl, Vanilla Fudge, ok ok ok just say I like them all!
My favorite flavor is Mint Chocolate Chip!
I Love Peanut Butter Swirl. It reminds me of peanut butter cups. I also like coffee and all the other flavors toooo.
I LOVE skinny minty, so much better than just plain mint chocolate chip. I envy you Ernie. How do you exercise self control with all that creamy goodness around?
Skiny Minty is my favorite, so much better than just plain ol’ Mint Chocolate Chip.
Ernie I envy you! How do you exercise self control with all that creamy goodness around?
i agree there vanilla
I like lots of flavors but my vanilla is my fave too!
Butter Pecan is my favorite flavor!
I love chocolate malt chip!
Vanilla gets my vote, too!
Southern Lemon Pie is definitely my favorite.
Moose Tracks the gooier the better
It’s amazing that so many people like plain old vanilla best. For me I could say Black Cherry Vanilla, Rum Raisin, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, or Tin Roof Sundae. So hard to choose. And Moose Tracks is up there too.
I’m a butter pecan fan myself, but long for the delicious butterscotch ripple from my childhood visits to the Isaly store!
I would say Ernie that Butter Pecan would be better than Black Raspberry, but I believe Light Moose Tracks is still the best for me.
Dutch Chocolate or any chocolate! expanding on Brooke’s entry-how about offering a prize that would let someone be Ernie for a day or at least follow him around and be a taste tester
Vanilla Bean and also Tin Roof Sundae and Neapolitan. Those are my favorites! My husband swears by Fudge Ripple.
I pretty much like most flavors. Everytime I go to the store I look to see if there are any new flavors to try. I hope there is pumpkin this fall
VANILLA IT IS!!
i am with ernie. i love them all equally!
It is a hard choice, but if I could only have one flavor, it would be mint chocolate chip
used to be chocolate chip. more and more i am a vanilla bean person. although sometimes i am in a chocolate mood.
Vanilla is my usual choice! But I love Peppermint Stick at the holidays-Are you listening Turkey Hill?
my new fav flavor is Extreme Cookies N Cream, but i love so many!
Chocolate………Chocolate…………….Chocolate……….chocolate makes the world go ’round!
Dear Ernie,
Although Butter Pecan is a substitute favorite in our house, I am still waiting for the all time best, MAPLE WALNUT. Will you ever be making it?
I keep waiting and waiting, to no avail.
I love raspberry or cherry!!
Russ
I wish I had Ernie,s job then I wuld make sure the chocolate marshmallow keeps on rolling
Vanilla Fudge Ripple is at the top, then, anything chocolate. But, the black raspberry sure comes in a close third!
Is there any flavor that you would like to try to taste test that you haven’t yet? I’m not sure I could pick a favorite flavor. There are just too many.
Ernie that sounds like a great combination, enjoy your treat !!!
Butter Brickle…but i can only get it homemade. (sad bu good)
Peppermint ice cream. But since that’s not available, black raspberry. But I can’t stop when I start that so I’d say vanilla, then I can add my favorite topping of the day.
I would love to be on a panel that tastes new ice cream flavors…that would be a fun job!
So, Ernie, there must be flavors that never made it to the market due to taste…which seems hard to belive that ANY kind of ice cream would fail…however, must be a few, do tell!
I didn’t know about the “Ask Ernie” section. I think I’ll try it out.
As for me I love all ice cream flavors.My all time fav is pumpkin. Laddie loves it all. Whatever you have is his favorite at that time.
You seems to have tastes similar to my husband. If pure vanilla means vanilla bean he’s a huge fan. He also loves black raspberry.
I don’t understand Vanilla when there are sooooo many other flavors to choose from.
My favorite ice cream is peanut butter.
I’m a big fan of vanilla ice cream, also.
Butter Pecan is the bomb!!!
Black raspberry & butter pecan….tough decision…two of my favorites!
Many years ago I worked in an ice cream store. We weren’t allowed to take it home, but we could eat whatever we wanted. I never, ever, got tired of it…just mixed up the flavors a bit from day to day. My favorites almost always had some form of coffee included (but coconut made the best shakes). I absoloutly agree,Ernie,you can never have too much great ice cream.
I like to mix flavors too!!
its fun to mix favorites esp when your down to the last little bit in the container and you just add then to gether and eat it right out of the container
Would love to see a vanilla or cheesecake with brownie chuncks and carmel drizzle…….mmmmmmm
I can’t imagine a better job than being an ice cream taster!
Ok, that sounds reaaly good vanilla-chocolatet cheese cake with oreo crumbles and carmael. Ok, now I am having a ice cream rush.
I would say butter pecan, with cherry vanilla being a close second.
i like to have a fav for each season! summer is ice box lemon pie! so refreshing!! perfect ending to a summer bbq!!
I am with Ernie on the flavors he would choose. Nothing is better then Van. with real Van. flavor. Linda
Absolutely, Butter Pecan and Black Raspberry rule.
WOW! I could go for a bowl of all 3 right now!
I too love vanilla. It’s so rich and creamy. It makes a statement all on it’s own without other items mixed in. But the other flavors from Turkey Hill are also pretty amazing!
I like banana split but the againg I grew up eating black raspberry and chocolate chip cookie dough.
would like to see blueberry in the summer and pumkin in the fall until then ill have strawberry and peach
I’m with Joel — cheesecake with brownie chunks sounds FANTASTIC — maybe we could get Turkey Hill to make it a Feature Flavor.
OK Well Now This Is A Very Very Tough Question & A Very Good Question If I May Say So Myself!, I Really Cannot Possibly Think To Even Fathom On Just One Type Of Flavor, Especially From “Turkey Hill”!
You Have The Best Flavored Ice Cream I Have Ever Let Touch My Tongue To Actually Stay There!!! 
And, That Is To Say The Least! 
But, If I Had To Pick One First I Would Have To Start Off With PARTY CAKE!!! Mmmmmmmm……………
THANK YOU TURKEY HILL!!! 
vv
But, I Would Not Be Able To Stop There!!!
I personally love all of Turkey Hill flavors, but one that can be my best flavor is rum raisin. Yummy!!! It is so hard to find though.
Oddly enough, butter pecan is my mom’s favorite and black raspberry was my dad’s. But I’m a chocolate girl.
I love pure vanilla ice cream myself. But I also love pistachio and maple walnuts. Guess I’m nutty!
GOOD Vanilla Absolutely. Must admit to enjoying (and admiration of the crativity) the nuanced flavors of both the Phillies Grand Slam, and Fried Ice Cream (Mexican). The Eagles Touchdown Sundae was also excellent though more orthodox. These experimental flavors show a VERY discerning creator.
The very best is no longer made: Nut’N'Sweetie, which is Peanut butter ice cream with caramel peanut butter swirl and chocolate covered peanuts. I miss it! Besides that, it’s Extreme Cookies and Cream
Vanilla is definitely my all time favorite. However, I also loved the special edition Turkey Hill Junior Mint flavor. Deeeeelicious!
My favorite ice cream flavor is any one that starts with “Turkey Hill”!
If I had to choose, it would be vanilla bean!! barbara
My favorite is the Caramel Cone Chaos!! So yummy!
I always keep a container of Original Vanilla on hand along with a variety of toppings. My guests can create their own favorite and everybody’s happy,
my favorite?? any kind, if it comes from turkey hill– the best ice crean made
my favorite is for sure banna split.
I used to love Super Sundae which was only sold around Super Bowl Sunday time, but I haven’t seen it in years. I have seen the Eagles ice cream in some stores, and I think it is the same, but I can’t bring myself around to buying it because I loathe the Eagles.
I have to agree with Ernie…Vanilla is good..You can add so many combinations to just plain vanilla and make it different each and every time!
I just had the light Extreme cookies and cream. YUM YUM. This is by far the best ice cream ever and Light on top of it.
Thanks for all your great flavors!
Ernie, thanks for all the delicious flavors of TH. Since you’ve promised your place to Brooke, I’ll just have to dream on.
My favorite is Orange Pineapple , hard to find these days but when I do I order that !! Black Cherry for 2nd ……& the kist goes on & on
I LOVE ANYTHING MOCHA, COFFEE, CAPPUCCINO, ESPRESSO, ETC. THINK I LIKE COFFEE? ADD CHIPS, I’M IN HEAVEN!
Its hard to pick just one…I love Party Cake, Choc Marshmallow…and peanut butter choc. But then..all of Turkey Hill Ice Creams are great
I love vanilla too!!! It tastes great on its own, and goes well with many different toppings!
Vanilla and all the Duettos
Anything that has almonds or cocanut is my favorite.
Having to pick a favorite would be tough–anything with cherry or raspberry in would be my choice.
Any chocolate or peanut butter or any combination of both…to bad the Peanut Butter Brownie is a limmited edition flavor… its just awesome. The Duettos and Dynamic Duos are also great
Thanks TH for such great Ice Cream
I’m with you, Vanilla for pure flavor; otherwise I’d probably choose Pecan.
I like chocolate and marshmallow and peanut butter and … how can you go wrong with ice cream, I ask?
If I was making an ice cream watermelon, I would use strawberry ice cream, shaved chocolate, and lime sherbet. Con’t think I’d like watermelon-flavored ice cream.
I think I need to see a picture of an earnie sized bowl of ice cream! That would be a good article. Or we could all send in photos of our favorite ice cream bowl. Mixing flavors, different toppings, and consistencies to see how we all differ. I can tell you right now I think my bowl might be the biggest. (Could be because I often just eat out of the carton). Yes, I will admit that is a guilty pleasure, but why waste water in cleaning another bowl? I am certainly thinking of saving the environment there!
Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, Moose Tracks –I love them all! There’s nothing like a bowl of ice cream after a long work day.
I know all ice cream is good and it is hard to choose one favorite. I guess I’ll pick mint chocolate chip.
I’d have to say strawberry is my favorite,followed by cherry.I do think that the ice cream should be vanilla with the fruit mixed in-not “flavored” ice cream.That way you can taste the fruit better.
When I was younger I would go to Isaly’s for a rasberry flavor (because I couldn’t have it at home). At home strawberry. Chocolate almond fudge was also good. But today, a little bit older, premiun vanilla.
Great idea of Ernies to create your very own version of Neopolitan! This could get really creative. Good job Ernie!
So hard to choose…but if we’re allowed 3, i would have to say, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter swirl, and coffee!!
My all time favorite was at Isleys and it was called Whitehouse. It was pure white vanilla with cherries. The ice cream was not flavored nor was it colored. Of course that was 60 years ago and probably impossible to duplicate with todays production machinery. Look at Tom Dinder’s comment.
I would have to go with vanilla as well! Ernie knows what he’s talking about.
it got be chocloate
Yes, my husband is “very vanilla” like you–but I love him anyway! I’ll try almost any ice cream.
My favorite is chocolate fudge ripple
there’s no doubt about it…chocolate chip cookie dough is da bomb.
Peanut butter swirl and Moose tracks. Both sooooo good. I envy you Ernie, got room for a substitute taste tester? I’m available.
so many flavors,so little time, just one would be rum raisin, a good rum raisin is better than any flavor I have ever had, but vanilla and chocolates are always good
Any flavor of ice cream is great but good old fashioned vanilla is still the best
I say it again I really LOVE The Phillies Graham Slam flavor. My kids usually don’t like to get plain vanilla in the store but when I tell them there are lots of toppings for make your own sundaes they are happy!!!!!!!!
I look all flavors of Turkey Hill Ice Cream because I am an ice cream lover. Just put one in front of me and I will love it…
something with chocolate chips in it…
I don’t even have to stop and think<<<<<<>>>>>> HANDS DOWN the best Ice Cream made today by Turkey Hill or Ben and Jerrys, Breyers(oops their the same company) or the old time fav of many HOOD. ThAnKs A MiLlIoN!!!!
I agree with Karen “There’s nothing like a bowl of ice cream after a long work day.” but I don’t like too dirty the bowl so I just pig out on my PB Panic which is safe since I’m the only one that eats it in my house, I also have to say that if you haven’t tried the Party Cake flavored ice cream, you’d be very surprised just like eating a bowl of Ice cream with a slice of cake on the side. Surpisingly good!!!
The Duettos are awesome, especially Root Beer. Ernie you should put some of these on the side when you get your 3 bowls of ice cream.
Other than coffee flavored ice cream, I’ll eat any flavor. Ice cream is one of my main food groups…I have to eat some every day, yummy. My absolute favor flavor would have to be cookie dough flavored ice cream.
The Chocolate Peanutbutter Cup Icecream is the best icecream I have ever had.
By far, the best TH ice cream I have ever had is the Graham Slam. Please don’t stop making it when baseball season ends. I just wish they wouldn’t stop running out of it at the grocery store. Apparently there are lots of fans. Thanks for another great flavor.
My grandfather used to take all the grandkids for ice cream at turkey hill now it is my turn to take my grandchildren to turkey hill to get icecream. Thanks turkey hill for all the great ice cream and different products you provide
I love Turkey Hill Icecream!! I probably eat way too much of it, but hey there’s a lot of calcium in each serving:) My favorites are vanilla bean, moose tracks, cookie & cream and cookie dough. I can’t get enough of the stuff. After a rough day, icecream always cheers me up.