By: Jessica Ivaska | August 23 2011
Posted in Seattle - Cook It - Seattle

Blackberry Shortcake Sundae. Photo by: Jessica Ivaska

Seattle is finally—dare we actually say it—showing signs of summer.The skies are getting bluer, the sun has peeked out and temperatures have soared. Well, ok, they’ve finally gotten over 75 degrees. But all this belated summertime weather is hitting us hard with food cravings. You know, the kinds of food you usually eat in summer: crisp, juicy watermelon, flame-grilled burgers, bratwursts, popsicles, and of course, ice cream.

Ice cream is to summer what soup is to winter.  At least, that’s what we think.  Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the sweet, cool, creamy flavor of ice cream year-round, but in summer it holds an extra-special place in our hearts. Seattle has several creameries that are mixing up flavors so heavenly an angel may have been the one who dreamt them up. Bluebird, Molly Moon’s, and Parfait are some of our local favorites. They all have a variety of flavors, utilize local ingredients—like northwest berries, Theo Chocolate and Vivace Coffee—and have special offerings for the summer.

In addition to such classics as Northwest Strawberry and Chocolate Pudding, Bluebird Ice Cream is currently dishing up Phluffhead, a s’mores-esque flavor perfectly reminiscent of summer camping trips. Molly Moon’s flavors rotate with the season, and right now they are scooping up Honey Lavender, Raspberry Mint Sorbet, Vivace Coffee, and Balsamic Raspberry. Plus, they even take flavor requests, so if you’re having a hankering, let them know.

Parfait combines of some of our favorite foods in Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. Their chef also mixes up flavors utilizing the freshest ingredients. Right now, Blackberry Beauty, made from northwest berries, is in a word, amazing. Parfait serves their treats out of a roaming truck, so check their website to see where they’ll be next. If that sounds like too much work, they also make home deliveries.

Now that we’ve told you where to go to indulge your summer sweet tooth, we also want to share a few recipes you can whip up using these fabulous flavors. No, you don’t have to haul out your ice cream maker, or even heat up your oven. These no-cook recipes utilize Seattle’s best ice creams and other local ingredients in easy ways that nearly anyone can handle!

Cool down with these recipes for ice cream goodies on The Local Dish:

Blackberry Shortcake Sundae

Frozen S’mores Sandwiches

Ice Cream Floats Two Ways

Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Washington Peach Ice Cream Parfait

 

 

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