To be so real, I was skeptical. I love anything ice cream but olive oil?
I have a brand new carton of chocolate cookie ice cream; but I had a little bit of vanilla bean left & ironically, all the other ingredients. (Olive oil and salt.)😅
Olive oil drizzled on vanilla bean ice cream with a sprinkle of salt…hm.
I want to report back and say , it was a hit. I expected it to be a miss— I went in with the lowest standards.
I just thought, “ as long as I don’t throw up.”
But now I am suffering with a new addiction.
OLIVE OIL ON MY ICE CREAM.
How will I get this when I go out?
Do I bring my own olive oil when I go on an ice cream date?
... Read moreOkay, so since I shared my newfound obsession with vanilla ice cream, olive oil, and salt, many of you asked for more details! It's super simple, but here's how I get that perfect balance for this surprisingly addictive dessert. I scoop my favorite vanilla bean ice cream into a bowl, making sure it's soft enough to swirl slightly. Then, the star: a generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Don't be shy! Finally, a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. I love how the salt crystals glisten on the oil and ice cream. Each bite is a journey – first the creamy sweetness, then the peppery warmth of the olive oil, and finally, that satisfying pop of salt that makes all the flavors sing.
Now, let's talk about another delicious variation I've been hearing about – lemon olive oil ice cream! While my original obsession was with vanilla, the idea of adding a bright, zesty lemon note sounded absolutely divine. Imagine a hot summer day, and you crave something refreshing but also indulgent. This is where lemon olive oil ice cream shines. I picture a scoop of bright, zesty lemon ice cream, perhaps with a slight tang, enhanced by the smoothness of olive oil. The olive oil would mellow the citrus while adding its unique complexity. I haven't personally tried making a dedicated lemon olive oil ice cream from scratch yet, but I've experimented with adding a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest to my vanilla-olive oil combo, and it adds another layer of complexity that's just *chefs kiss*! If you're looking to try a dedicated lemon olive oil ice cream, you might find some artisan brands offering it, or you could even look up recipes to make your own with a lemon-infused olive oil or by adding fresh lemon zest and juice to a homemade vanilla base before churning. I'm already dreaming of whipping up a batch or finding a local spot that serves it!
You might be wondering, 'Why does this even work?' I totally get it! The magic lies in the contrast. The rich, slightly peppery or fruity notes of good quality extra virgin olive oil cut through the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream, creating a sophisticated, almost savory experience. The salt? Oh, the salt is crucial! It enhances all the other flavors, much like how a pinch of salt makes chocolate taste chocolatier. It balances everything out, making each spoonful incredibly addictive.
Here are a few tips to elevate your olive oil ice cream experience:
Choosing Your Olive Oil: Don't skimp here! A high-quality extra virgin olive oil with fruity or peppery notes works best. Avoid anything too bland or too strong; you want it to complement, not overpower. Think about the subtle flavors you enjoy in salads or bread dipping. That's the type you want for your ice cream!
Salt Matters: Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) is my go-to. It gives that perfect little burst of salinity without dissolving too quickly, offering a delightful textual contrast along with the flavor boost.
Temperature is Key: Let your ice cream soften slightly before drizzling. It helps the olive oil meld better and coat each creamy spoonful more effectively.
Other Flavor Combos: Once you're hooked on the basics, feel free to experiment! I've heard some people try a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze (the really thick kind) too, which adds another layer of tang and sweetness. Or, for a sweet-spicy kick, a tiny sprinkle of chili flakes could be interesting! The possibilities seem endless once you open your mind to it.
Presentation: Even for a simple at-home treat, scooping your vanilla ice cream into a nice bowl (like my pink one in the pic!) and carefully drizzling the olive oil makes it feel extra special. Sometimes, a beautiful presentation makes the experience even better, right?
y’all just try anything