I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for… Frozen Custard?
Sunday, February 26, 2006 8:41I was intrigued when I came upon Jacki Lyden’s review of frozen custard on NPR’s All Things Considered. I love custard but was skeptical of how it would be frozen. I’m a doof. Over the weekend, I discovered frozen custard, and it is just like ice cream except for the texture.
Frozen custard lacks the creamy texture of ice cream. Despite this, frozen custard tastes oh-so-good. For you, my dear readers, I took on the difficult task of trying two different flavors, chocolate and mint brownie. The mint brownie was quite good, but I had to stick with something traditional for my first time. In fact, I recommend for anyone who have never had frozen custard to order chocolate or vanilla for the first time. Such familiar taste helps you recognize and appreciate the slight differences between frozen custard and ice cream. Now that I think about it though, frozen custard actually reminded me more of gelato, which I guess makes sense considering both have less air.
One word of warning from Jacki Lyden, finish your frozen custard fast. For those who like to buy pints home and let it sit in the freeezer, don’t do it! Because of how dense frozen custard is, it is best when eaten within the first two hours of purchase, or even the same day. Beyond that… well, just don’t do it.
To find the nearest frozen custard stand near you, whereever you are:
http://www.custardlist.com/stands/statelist
By Pauline (see more of her posts).
foodette says:
August 27th, 2007 at 9:26 am
I just read this - I know, a little behind the times! I was wondering where you got your frozen custard? I am from WI originally, and have grown up on the stuff. I actually find it 100% creamier than ice cream. It does have less air, and is therefore more like gelato, but richer and smoother.
I have no argument about storing it - I have never made it that far!!! I could see how that could be an issue though. Defrosting and refreezing isn’t really good for any ice cream, so I suppose the richer and denser, the less it would hold up to this.
MaxMillion says:
August 27th, 2007 at 10:05 am
I’m not sure if you can still get it here (and I’ve been meaning to try it myself) but call –
Taste Chicago
603 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 563-2800
http://www.tastechicago.biz/
Also some older info can be found here —
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/73362?query=frozen%20custard%20los%20angeles
and here —
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/416143
Pauline says:
August 30th, 2007 at 2:42 am
foodette - I got my frozen custard from Culvers (www.culvers.com). Unfortunately, there isn’t a Culvers west of Colorado at this time. I was stuck in what Jonah called the “frozen tundra” for a couple of years. The frozen custard helped pass the time. I definitely enjoyed it as much as ice cream.
Max - Thanks for all the links! This is great! :)
Jeff says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
The only genuine fresh frozen custard in the state of California that is still in business is Silky Smooth at the Beverly Center. Here is more info on Silky–which is fantastic stuff if you have a chance to try it!
http://myfoxla.cityvoter.com/winners/myfoxlas-hot-list/91/specialty-food-and-drink/ice-cream-shop
http://www.yelp.com/biz/silky-smooth-ultra-creamery-los-angeles#hrid:Zo21v-yEBf8t_rNvG3usEA/query:silky%20smooth
David R says:
May 6th, 2008 at 11:14 am
i think the new store called BinnieLoco serves the best soft serving frozen custard.
i saw their info at the chowhound website. no explanation needed, just try!
It’s on the 3rd & New Hampshire.