READER REVIEW: Elliot's Review of McConnell's Winter Cranberry Chip & Egg Nog

I was able to get ahold of a couple of wintery seasonal flavors online at www.McConnells.com. Their seasonal offering covers a broad spectrum ranging from previously reviewed Pumpkin Pie, Cardamom & Swedish Ginger Snaps, Burnt Caramel Apple, to Peppermint Stick (no review yet), Winter Cranberry Chip and Egg Nog.

In the spirit of providing a broad flavor spectrum year round, McConnell's produces a perennial pint featuring cranberry and Guittard chocolate called Winter Cranberry Chip. It represents a bright, tangy berry flavor, which is a nice contrast against the predominantly minty seasonal winter flavors.

Winter Cranberry Chip is the winter seasonal flavor in their line-up of beloved "chip flavors" made using their unique molten chip process. I've loved each one of their flavors featuring Guittard chocolate chips. Double Peanut Butter Chip won gold in the "Outstanding Dessert" category at The 2013 NY Fancy Food Show.

Chef Eva Ein, one of the owners of McConnell's, makes the cranberry preserves in Winter Cranberry Chip as she does for several flavors. Milk Chocolate & Raspberry Jam is one. Their popular summer themed pint, Eureka Lemon & Marionberries also showcases her talent.

The tart/sweet cranberry/cream/chocolate combination is something I've never encountered nor imagined. I can see this flavor profile taking a bit for some people to come around to, as it did for me. There's just no other flavor like it. I'm thankful they had the gall to leave the cranberry out past Turkey Day and sprinkle in Guittard chocolate to give us a uniquely creamy, bitter, sweet and sour treat. It's a very cool combination.

Where Elliot Found It: www.mcconnells.com
Elliot's Grade: A

When I received a holiday pack from McConnell's, I was a little apprehensive about scooping the Egg Nog pint. As one to politely decline a glass of the holiday beverage when offered; I had low expectations for how much I'd enjoy it in ice cream form.

The biggest surprise with the Egg Nog was the balance. The majority of ice creams are not well balanced from a flavor perspective. Creating a custard base that is consistently balanced and not overcooked is a great feat in itself. To crown that achievement with a fantastic flavor atop it is like magic. Some of us have been put off of Egg Nog for life after tasting a batch that's been over-liquored by their rascally Uncle Jeffrey. McConnell's' version uses a hint of rum as a flavor enhancer, enhancing the warm, wintery blend of nutmeg and allspice. Folks who love the nutmeg and allspice aspects of pumpkin spice would enjoy this flavor.

Where Elliot Found It: www.mcconnells.com
Elliot's Grade: A

REVIEW: Turkey Hill Eggnog (Seasonal Favorite Limited Edition)

The holiday season has brought us a handful of pumpkin, peppermint and most recently, eggnog selections. Edy's Eggnog had been too mellow to hold my attention, while Talenti's Old World Eggnog had finally done the cool Christmas beverage justice. Although it took a while to track down, I was finally able to procure a container of Turkey Hill's version. This seasonal favorite takes rich eggnog ice cream with rum flavoring and spicy nutmeg. In the words of Turkey Hill, "What could be more enjoyable on a winter night than a warm, cozy fire and a bowl of Turkey Hill ice cream packed with the classic taste you loved as a kid?"

The problem with most eggnog flavored ice creams and gelatos is the lack of excitement. The first few bites are typically enjoyable, but it tends to go downhill after that. Hopefully the traces of smooth rum flavor, perfectly balanced with the warmth of nutmeg will assist Turkey Hill's rendition in winning me over. Taking the top off reveals a first layer that looks nearly identical to that of Edy's, with only a few flecks of nutmeg breaking up the off-white base. At 140 calories per serving, the light, fluffy consistency transfers easily from the carton to the bowl.

The consistency is the same great feel found in other flavors from Turkey Hill, but following my first bite, the smooth, equally balanced flavor stands out. Allowing more rum to come through than it's competitors, Turkey Hill's version isn't shy with the alcohol. They've managed to incorporate the rum in a way that doesn't hinder the overall flavor, but dramatically enhances it. Granted this is a complex flavor that I have enjoyed during the month of December, the end result is just a bit unexciting in comparison to other offerings. Although this is superior to Edy's version, it can't quite live up to the high standards set by Talenti's super premium gelato.

Where I Found It: Ingles Markets
Grade: D

REVIEW: Talenti Old World Eggnog (Holiday Favorite Limited Edition)

Most companies dedicate a huge part of their advertising during the holiday months to promoting their seasonal flavors, but for whatever reason, Talenti strays from the norm. They've quietly rolled out two new offerings as a part of their Holiday Favorite collection. Peppermint Bark, which I recently reviewed, joins the pint above, Old World Eggnog, to incorporate the taste of the holidays inside gelato. While Peppermint Bark was somewhat straightforward, only combining peppermint gelato with dark chocolate chips, Old World Eggnog seems even more rudimentary. Edy's Eggnog received a subpar rating, but the superior feel and density of this one dimensional flavor should allow the eggnog concept to flourish.

Twisting off the top to this transparent pint, the first layer resembles a simple vanilla, allowing little hint at the velvety texture to come. The 200 calories per serving is significantly higher than it's Edy's counterpart, but as I'd soon find out, the 60 calorie difference would be well worth it. As soon as my spoon hit the eggnog gelato, my interest was peaked. The flecks of nutmeg were the only thing breaking up the all-white base as I scooped some out. Although the concept of an eggnog flavor imposes a ceiling on how incredible this could possibly be, Talenti seems to be the clear winner when it comes to taste and texture given what they were trying to embody in this gelato. The base contains little sugar, with only slight hints of nutmeg on the back end to round out the flavor profile.

The real highlight of this flavor is in the texture. Without even small shards of chocolate to interrupt, the smooth feel to this gelato is hard to compete with. My recent Talenti hiatus made the consistency even more impressive. Where the version made by Edy's is fluffy and melts away quickly, this version has hardly any air incorporated, causing the gelato to slowly dissolve, all the while releasing the subtle sweet flavoring of the coveted holiday beverage on my taste buds. Plus considering this is Talenti we're talking about, the simple, high-quality ingredients used during production improve the overall performance. If you're into sipping eggnog during the holidays, you should track down this holiday favorite before it's back to the North Pole until next year.

Where I Found It: Kroger
Grade: C

REVIEW: Edy's Eggnog (Limited Edition)

My journey through the latest Edy's offerings have been contained to the limited edition offerings, so I continued the trend when I stumbled upon their seasonal Egg Nog flavor. Although Peppermint should be around for the foreseeable future, Pumpkin is already being phased out as the Fall months fade away. Both of the previous cartons were straightforward, effective and managed to keep the nutrition facts in check. Although I'm not well versed in the world of eggnog, the beverage on the front of the container certainly looked refreshing.

The authentic holiday drink is made by combining milk or cream with sugar, beaten eggs, a bevy of interchangeable liquors and is finished with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. This ice cream impersonation appears as simple as the other limited edition flavors, with only specks of nutmeg breaking up the off-white eggnog base. With only 140 calories per half cup serving, you could nearly put away this entire one and a half quart container at what a mere pint of Greater's heavier offerings would offset you nutritionally. This soft, fluffy ice cream comes out of the carton with ease, filling the entire bowl after only a few scoops.

Having only had eggnog on a few occasions over the course of my life, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I picked up a portion of the manilla colored base and dove right in. As usual when it comes to Edy's, the consistency is on the verge of having a gum-like feel, but manages to stay just above the threshold. The first inclination from my taste buds came from the subtle nutmeg, followed quickly by the sweet familiar taste of eggnog. Sweetened eggs don't sound too appetizing, but when the taste is added to ice cream it's strangely enjoyable.

The mellow flavoring of the nutmeg and sweetened eggs are pleasant enough, but before long I find myself ready to move on. Although this was a spot-on representation of the actual drink, and tends to get better as I went, this can't manage to surpass Pumpkin or Peppermint. Like many other beverage-based ice creams I've reviewed, this leaves me yearning for a glass of the authentic stuff.

Where I Found It: Super Wal-Mart
Grade: D

REVIEW: Edy's A Very Merry Eggnog (Limited Edition)

Not long after releasing their retitled holiday offerings in the form of Pumpkin Patch and Peppermint Wonderland, Edy’s wasted no time changing the name of their seasonal Eggnog flavor as well. A Very Merry Eggnog may look different than last year’s Eggnog, but features the same ingredient list. Just like in 2012, this will be available from November through December and Edy’s has this to say about their latest limited edition, “Our Eggnog ice cream is like the drink, but better! We've taken rich and creamy eggnog and turned it into a scoopable holiday treat. Somewhere between its cool burst of flavor and its essence of nutmeg, you'll discover the spirit of the holidays.”

I wasn’t too fond of the flavor last year as is indicated by my D-rating, but I was willing to give Edy’s another shot. My palate has changed a handful of times over the course of my life, so maybe it was possible it had picked up the ability to really enjoy eggnog in general. This Grand edition comes in at 140 calories per serving, which is apparent by the pliable consistency as I scooped some into a bowl. After sitting down with a few servings, I was able to appreciate the taste a little more than last year, but even though now it’s very merry, Edy’s most recent release still sits below average for me.

Where I Found It: Walmart
Grade: D

FREEZER FINDS: Talent's Old World Eggnog is Back!

A member of our forums recently posted up this picture of the pint of Talenti's Holiday Favorite Old World Eggnog that she recently purchased at Metropolitan Market. It looks like Talenti is getting in the Christmas spirit very early this year.

I had the chance to scoop this last year and even though I wasn't a huge fan (my review can be found HERE), it was still the best eggnog flavor of the season. If you're a huge fan of the actual seasonal beverage though, this may be something you want to keep an eye out for.