READER REVIEW: Elliot's Review of Coolhaus "Eric Owen Moss-Carpone" Balsamic Gif & Mascarapone

Balsamic Fig Mascarpone aka "Eric Owen-meal Moss-carpone" was the first prepackaged Coolhaus pint I got my hands on when it became available locally over the summer. The brand's creative flavors and marketing style are very inviting, and I was excited to give their products a try.

Once the slow melting base breaks down, the mild yet potent mascarpone flavor shines through . Ribbons of sweet, tangy balsamic glazed figs are skillfully and somewhat sparsely interwoven throughout the impressively smooth base.

What is omitted from the production video is the inclusion of stabilizers and the batch freezing that takes place to scale production. This is a common aspect of non-artisanal commercial ice cream production. The tradeoff between the modest calorie count in these pints is that you have a relatively high overrun, stabilized product. That said, many similarly processed products by competitors fall far short of this.

Something about this kept me coming back. My cupboard reveals a few of these plastic pint containers, undeniable evidence of my affinity. For those concerned about the balsamic element adding a strong acidity, don't worry, it's only enough to add a bit of tanginess.

Where Elliot Found It: Straub's Market
Elliot's Grade: B

FREEZER FINDS: Bruce Finds New Coolhaus Pre-Packaged Pints

What used to only be available from Coolhaus trucks, carts and storefronts, now seems to be dispersing across the country. We were able to track down a few of the outstanding ice cream sandwiches and now Bruce has sent photo evidence of some pre-packaged pints he picked up. Flavors like Caramia Lehrer and Terio Owen Moss-Carpone should certainly provide a memorable ice cream experience.

REVIEW: The Fresh Market Biscotti with Italian Fig Gelato

The Fresh Market is usually where I head when I’m looking for my next Jeni’s, Graeter’s or Three Twins fix, however recently their own generic line of gelatos had peaked my interest. Unique flavors like Tiramisu & Mascarpone and Sweet & Spiced Gingerbread were simple and effective, but lacked the mystery associated with their Biscotti with Italian Fig. Seeing as this isn’t a combination of tastes you commonly see in a frozen dessert, I had little idea of what to expect. The Fresh Market writes on the back of the carton, “we’ve captured a true Italian tradition with this gelato recipe. A rich, creamy biscotti-flavored base melded with swirls of sweet Italian fig – simply perfect.” Biscotti (or twice baked cookies) and fig may sound like an odd duo, but as I’d soon find out, would make a pleasant pair inside a pint.

After removing the polka-dotted lid, I was a bit surprised at the bright yellow shade of the gelato; something I hadn’t expected from the biscotti base. The 200 calories per serving is right in line with the other options from The Fresh Market and pretty standard as far as gelatos are concerned. My first bite is free of the fig swirl and brings flavors I’ve never before experienced in frozen form. Although I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint biscotti in a blind taste test, the overly sweet base is smooth and has a thick consistency that’s slow to melt. The gelato provides just enough flavor and texture to keep me interested, despite only being accompanied by a small swirl.

These petite, purple stripes effectively enhance the biscotti base and add an influx of fig flavoring. The dark swirl also incorporates some of the seeds, which gives the finish of each bite an interesting texture. Although I probably wouldn’t repeat this purchase, it was worth the price to taste a mixture of ingredients you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere. This wasn’t quite on the level of gelatos from Talenti or Haagen Dazs, but was still enjoyable. Hopefully The Fresh Market will continue to try out different, creative combinations in their future flavors.

Where I Found It: The Fresh Market
Grade: C