Vicki Tierney’s ice cream recommendations to pair with chocolate
Valentine’s day brings images of chocolate and decadent desserts to mind. There is nothing that can say “I love you” more than a homemade dessert. Are you looking to create such a dessert for a loved one, a group of friends or your family’s Valentine’s day party? The perfect dessert may just be as simple as a pan of brownies or a basic chocolate cake paired with the right ice cream. For ice cream recommendations we turned to ice cream expert and Flapdoodle co-owner, Vicki Tierney.
Classics ice cream pairs:
Vanilla-A standard pairing in many households. Vicki recommends a really good quality vanilla ice cream that uses real vanilla or vanilla beans. Use the simplicity of vanilla as a base for some toppings like hot fudge, black raspberry, or even a flavored liqueur to take your dessert to the next level.
Peanut butter, mint, or coffee– all of these flavors naturally pair with chocolate so if you want to break from the standard vanilla any of these flavors would be a hit accompanying a brownie or chocolate cake.
Fruit ice cream pairs:
Strawberry, cherry, or coconut ice cream– The first two would be reminiscent of chocolate covered strawberries or cherries, plus the pink appearance of these flavors looks especially lovely for Valentine’s Day. Drizzle caramel sauce over the coconut ice cream and chocolate cake for a German chocolate cake combination.
Next level delicious:
Salty caramel– Need I say more? The hint of saltiness in the ice cream with the sweetness of the brownie or cake is deliciously decadent.
Red velvet– The combination of chocolate, hints of cream cheese frosting, and the bright red pieces of red velvet cake make for a delicious and visually appealing Valentine’s Day dessert. This might be a stand alone ice cream if you don’t have time to make the brownies or cake.
Vicki Tierney
Vicki Tierney is married to Matt and mom to two young adult daughters and two furry golden retrievers. Together Vicki and Matt own Flapdoodles ice cream. She is involved in co-leading the Renovaré Precepts study at Calvary.