Eat Like a Rabbit

Summer is a great time to enjoy treats from the freezer. In Florida, cold items are more of a necessity when the heat is ramping up. We had my parents and grandmother over for Memorial Day dinner. I surprised Paul with new gelato by Talenti that is sold at Publix. I allowed my guests to have their choice of chocolate, vanilla, and coconut gelato and raspberry sorbetto. I also served some very festive raspberries and blackberries on a plate at the table to accompany the dessert.

Here are my thoughts about the dessrt: Granted, I know gelato will never taste the same in America that it does in Italy, but I've known it to come close. This just doesn't work for me. When I want gelato, it's cause I want it to be a little better than regular ice cream. Mostly, this just tastes like regular ice cream. The raspberry and coconut almost taste like they have too much extra flavoring. And I have never seen a good fresh raspberry gelato that dark/bright of a color. Usually, it is a bit paler and creamier. My favorite combination of gelato is chocolate and raspberry; so believe me, I've seen my share of light, smooth raspberry gelato. I could never figure out why the vanilla was always softer than the rest and why the chocolate was always harder than the rest. The vanilla melts too quickly, and and the chocolate is too stiff to get out of the container.

I think that the flavor selection of lemon, raspberry, and coconut are rare to find, and if those flavors are super important to you, than the cartons are worth their price. (I paid $3.50 a carton introductory price. Now they are $4 on sale, but are regularly around $7.) But if you've been spoiled by European gelato, it may be best to save those good memories and stick to American ice cream while you're State-side.

Would you like to know what we're eating next?