One of the tastiest developments in the Twin Cities food scene over the past decade is the proliferation of skilled ice cream makers. This growth makes sense, given that Minnesota ranks as the nation's 10th-largest dairy producer, and we're next door to second-ranked Wisconsin (California is No. 1). Of course, ice cream — and its cousins, gelato, sorbet and frozen custard — are year-round treats, but Minnesota's too-brief summer is a true season to savor. Here are some favorite flavors from a dozen Twin Cities ice cream makers.
1. Ube at Crepe & Spoon
This vegan ice cream shop cleverly manipulates nut milks and coconut milk for its rich, creamy base. And why not incorporate the ube, the Filipino yam with its gorgeous purple color, into an ice cream? The flavor is mild and faintly taro-like (it's the coconut that really comes through), but it's the violet hue that really makes this ice cream sing. Gluten-free cones available. Scoops $4.25 to $9.25.
339 22nd Av. NE., Mpls., 763-205-0978, crepeandspoon.com
2. Mint Truffle at Sonny's Ice Cream
On their ever-changing menu, owners Ron Siron and Carrie Gustafson have a gift for giving the luxury treatment to oldie-but-goodie ice creams, and this one is no exception. The mint is super-refreshing, and the heaping flecks of chocolate are top-shelf Valrhona. Other revelations? A decadent caramel-sea salt gelato and strawberry-basil sorbet seasoned with balsamic vinegar. Scoops $4.75 to $14.50.
3403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-824-3868, sonnysicecream.com
3. Wild White Chocolate at Fletcher's Ice Cream
Anyone who has become enthralled by a raspberry-white chocolate scone will fall into a similar state of rapture with this combination. The berries contribute streaks of a strikingly deep color — not to mention their sweet-tart bite — and the white chocolate adds a pronounced richness. Scoops $3.19 to $8.49.
1509 NE. Marshall St., Mpls., 612-345-4938, fletchersicecream.com
4. Cinnful at Honey & Mackie's
The infectious oohs and aahs that burst forth from kids in line at this popular shop — where the other house specialty is French fries — turn an ice cream lover's attention to such goodies as black licorice and pistachio. But hiding in plain sight is a seldom seen but beloved treat: cinnamon-laced ice cream, brimming with enough of the spice to lend a happy jolt to each lick. Scoops $3.75 to $5.75.
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