SANDY T. FROM SCRANTON, PA ASKS: Hi Ernie! I’d like to plan an ice cream tasting party at my house. It’s sort of like a wine tasting party, only with ice cream! Do you have any tips for how to make the most of our tasting experience?
An ice cream tasting party?! That’s a great idea. My question for you is, am I invited? Before my invitation arrives, here are a few tips for taking your ice cream celebration to the next level.
As with a wine tasting party, your two main concerns will be how much ice cream to have on hand and how many varieties to offer. You might also be thinking about how many people to invite. Unlike wine tasting party guest lists, for which experts advise you to “keep it intimate,” I say the more, the merrier when it comes to tasting ice cream.
As for how many varieties of ice cream to put on your menu, I’d suggest somewhere between six and 10, but like your guest list, the more, the merrier. No one will ever complain about having “too many” ice cream flavor options. Speaking of options, you may already be doing this, but you might consider creating menus for each guest and establishing one person (likely you) as the ice cream shop attendant – complete with apron and attendant hat – ready to scoop out samples at your guests’ whim.
Since the samples will likely be small (picture a golf ball sized scoop), you shouldn’t need to purchase more than one container of each flavor if you have fewer than 20 guests and around eight options. If you have more guests (or fewer options), you might want to buy a few extra cartons of the choices you think will be the most popular.
Finally, what flavors to stock? That’s completely up to you, although I suggest a few old standbys like chocolate and vanilla and that you also tempt your guests’ palates with some less traditional choices like Turkey Hill’s Party Cake, Rum Raisin, or any of our current Limited Edition flavors (like the extremely popular Double Dunker).
I hope this helps, and I hope your party is a success! I’ll keep an eye on my mailbox for my invitation. In the meantime, let me know if the party is BYOS (Bring Your Own Spoon) or if spoons will be provided.
Best,
Ernie
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i’ll wait for my invitation, and my r.s.v.p. will include two….lol
i have done this during the summer months and called it a ice cream social had the whole block come on over we all had a blast. we are planning to do it every year to get everyone together. have a great time and don’t forget to put out some toppings and whipped cream to add to the fun.
Count me in!
I have always had a neighborhood ice cream get together in the summer serving ice cream and toppings, including ingredients to make banana splits, etc.
The idea of an ice cream tasting party instead would put a variety option to my get together….great idea…thank you.
Sounds like a novel idea,and fun1
this is a great idea, I have to share this with my friends too
Sandy, this sounds like a great idea. This makes me want to have one for my family and friends. Mmm, I am just imagining having six or seven different containers of ice cream….Lets all send in pictures of our event!!!
that sounds like fun you go girl
I agree with all the tips that Ernie suggested. I was wondering how to keep the ice cream from melting away. I am sure people don’t want to drink their sample but let it melt in their mouth. Is their such a thing as a portable freezer? The idea is great and I think any obstacles can be overcome.
I remember back in the late 70′s my navy aircraft squadron would fly into Bermuda all of the time. The base operations building had a cafeteria with an ice cream section and Rum Raisin was the best. Definitely get that. Also, I recently bought some Mango icecream and it is delicious.
Im in
I just love this idea. It’s perfect for the tropical weather you are now experiencing in Scranton, and here in Jew Jersey, too, it’s always Ice Cream Weather.
I’ve often thought about doing this for our Letters From Home group, but had no idea how to plan it. Thanks for the information.
Sounds like a great idea!
It is a great idea. Cannot imagine anyone not showing up!
Thanks Ernie. This is very helpful information. You can have an Ice Cream Tasting Party for any occasion. MMMMMMM ice cream especially Turkey Hill with all its wonderful flavors.
We do this just for our family usually once or twice a year. The kids love tasting all the different flavors, some for the first time. Even when things aren’t going great in life, who can not be happy when they are at a Turkey Hill ice cream tasting party with all the GREAT flavors they have!!!!
I love throwing ice cream parties! Thanks for the great tips.
HAVE LOT OF TOPPINGS TOO, FOR YOU ICE PARTYS
Ice cream beats out wine any day!!! I’ll be there–get the big scoop out!
Sounds like a good holdiay get to gether along with some Christmas cookies!!
I of course love the idea of an ice cream tasting party. I would add some sherbert and lite varieties as well as the usual ice cream. After all if it’s Turkey Hill all types are delicious and even those on a diet can then join in!
What a great idea! Put on the coffee, I think the guest list has expanded by leaps and bounds!
I really would like to have an Ice cream tasting party. I just love the idea since I just love ice cream. Any suggestions on how to keep the ice cream from melting?
I love this idea. I’m not a wine drinker but I’m certainly an ice cream eater. I think I may have to follow Pat’s lead and plan one of these get togethers.
What better way to taste Turkey Hill Ice Cream!