Sugar Savvy

Homemade Butterscotch Ice Cream

When I first began writing for Sugar Savvy, I was told, in no uncertain terms, that my articles were to be about candy. Not cookies, not ice cream, not soda pop. Candy.

But times change. And our new editor, who admittedly isn’t so new after about six months on the job, has redefined our mission to include all things sweet. In her words, “because we aren’t Candy Savvy, we are Sugar Savvy, and there is a lot more to sweet than just candy.” Judging from recent posts by other SS writers, this new mandate seems to have taken off.

So, to follow the renegades that have paved the way before me by mentioning cookies (which, frankly, really belong on Just Baking) and ice cream (the rebels) I, too am going to jump on the bandwagon for the new official orders of Sugar Savvy.

Fresh Mint (from my garden) Ice Cream
National Ice Cream Appreciation Day was this past Sunday, July 15th. Designated in 1984 by President Regan, he chose the 3rd Sunday of July to recognize ice cream as a “fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of of the nation’s population.” (This from the man who, with regard to the public school lunch program, declared ketchup a “vegetable.”)In one of his rare moments of clarity and wisdom, the former president suggested that all Americans honor this day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Nice one, Ronnie. Happy to oblige.

Not wanting to appear unpatriotic, I followed his instructions.

And with the help of a few ice cream-appreciating pals, my new book by David Lebovitz, and my Cuisinart ice cream maker, I arranged for the ceremonies to begin.

Appreciating Butterscotch

Brooke appreciating fresh mint ice cream.

Somebody is about to appreciate fresh Oregon peach ice cream.

Don’t forget the toppings!

We really appreciated these: Salted Butter Caramel, Chocolate and candied bacon pecan brittle. Yep, bacon.

All ice cream and topping recipes can be found in David Lebovitz’s book, The Perfect Scoop, with the exception of the bacon pecan brittle, which is from Everything is Better With Bacon, by Sara Perry.