Not just a summer treat

When most people think of ice cream, they think of a cool treat on a hot summer day.  While this is very true, I am one of those people who enjoys ice cream all year long.  It is not uncommon for me on a cold January day, curled up in my Snuggie (yes I own and love the Snuggie) watching the snow fall, and enjoying an ice cream cone.  I recently enjoyed my favorite flavor of fall, pumpkin, in two very cool ways, pumpkin gelato and pumpkin ice cream.

Now you may be wondering what is the difference between ice cream and gelato aside from gelato being Italian.  Texturally, gelato is much more smooth.  It has lower butterfat and sugar contents and the freezing process varies slightly from that of ice cream.  Many of the restaurants in Little Italy serve gelato as well as a few smaller gelaterias throughout the Cleveland area (Legacy Village and Cedar/Fairmount come to mind).  I enjoyed my pumpkin gelato from Presti's bakery in Little Italy as an end of week treat to myself.  I did not go in with the intent of getting gelato, however I was pleasantly surprised as I was paying for my lemon biscottis (yes, there will be a future blog all about the deliciousness that is Presti's bakery).  As the girl behind the counter handed me my small cup of chilly pumpkin heaven, she mentioned that I was the first one to purchase the pumpkin gelato which was just put in the cooler.  As I noticed the small dent in the tub behind the cooler window, I could not help but feel happy and in some way accomplished.

Despite the chill in the air, football being played, and pumpkin being enjoyed, I can now officially say it is fall for me.  No, not because the Browns finally got their first win this past Sunday against the Bengals, but I enjoyed Pumpkin Pie ice Cream from my favorite ice cream place, Honey Hut.  I have no problem saying Honey Hut IS the BEST ice cream in Cleveland.  I also would go on a limb to say in the state of Ohio, but that has yet to be determined.  If you are new to Cleveland or just visiting, make the trip to Honey Hut (Old Brooklyn, Parma, Strongsville, Brecksville, Bay Village...the location does NOT matter).  If you are a Cleveland native and have not been to Honey Hut, shame on you.  Pumpkin Pie ice cream, or Pumpkin Pecan if you are feeling a little nutty, is available from October 1-end of season.  Check with each location about end of season since this does seem to vary. I can say the Old Brooklyn location is open until November 21 and will reopen on St. Patrick's Day 2011.  The pumpkin pie ice cream tastes exactly like you would think...that Thanksgiving dessert in ice cream form.  True to Honey Hut's style, it is sweetened with honey giving it that "little something extra" that I love so much.  Not only did I enjoy a small cone there, I took a quart home with me.  Yes, of all the pumpkin treats I have enjoyed and will enjoy this fall, Honey Hut Pumpkin Pie ice cream is my favorite.  

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger.