If you are old enough, let me take you back to the future and cast your mind back to 1984.
It was the year that Band Aid tried to feed the world, the AIDS virus was identified, a small company called Apple released a computer called the Macintosh and ‘Relax’ by Frankie Goes to Hollywood was the year’s best-selling single.
Madonna shot to global stardom with her song Like a Virgin and
inspired a generation of fashion conscious girls (and boys), hair was big, shoulder
pads were de rigueur and we saw the first ‘blockbusting’ films with the likes
of Ghostbusters, Gremlins, Beverly Hills Cop and The Karate Kid.
Ah, those were the days my friend!
But Sean, why you harking back to things which happened over
30 years ago, I hear you say?
Well, aside from it being the best decade in history (there’s a reason Stranger Things is set in the 80s!), 1984 was year that former actor-cum-President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation which would change the world.
No, we’re not talking about his attempt to halt the nuclear arms
race with Russia, but his decision to designate Sunday 21st July as
National Ice Cream Day.
Needless to say, like most things, it started in the United
States but soon cottoned on around the world, which is not surprising when the
words ‘ice’ and ‘cream’ are put together.
And eating ice cream is traditionally, in this country
anyway, associated with being outside, so it’s also something which can be
enjoyed in a socially distanced manner.
The big question still needs to be answered though – what is
your favourite flavour?
A survey carried out earlier this year revealed, quite
surprisingly in our view, that vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavour,
followed by mint choc chip and chocolate.
It’s all a little bit, well vanilla!
However, when you then read that some ice cream parlours are
pushing the envelope with flavours such as sea buckthorn, chicken sorbet and
crabmeat, then perhaps boring is best.
I have chosen my favourite flavour of ice cream for this
week’s recipe (hey it’s my blog, not yours!) so while you are making it, can I
suggest you listen to Absolute 80s on the radio?
Cherry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 14ozs frozen sweet cherries
- 1 cup double cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter
- Fresh cherries
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in the blender and puree
until smooth.
- Serve immediately for soft serve ice cream or
pour into an ice cream maker and freeze.
- Serve with fresh cherries and cone if you wish,
but don’t forget the Flake if you do!
About Sean Flint
Development & Innovation Chef of SK Foods.
Your food. Our Passion.
