Food Guide
Ice Cream
Varieties
Although an ever-changing menu of ice-cream flavors and products tempts us these days, the top five flavors in the United States in 1999 were still the great old familiar ones vanilla, chocolate, Neapolitan (the famous vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry combination), cookies and cream, and butter pecan.
Ice cream is now produced around the world in dozens of flavors, and in low-sugar, low-fat, and fat-free varieties.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Ice cream is enjoyed just as it is. It can also be used to make milk shakes, sodas, sundaes, floats, and other classic soda-fountain combinations. Scoops of ice cream still make an attractive dessert. It can be paired with fresh fruit or nuts, or with French or Italian desserts for a sophisticated presentation. If you have a hard time resisting ice cream, it’s probably best to purchase this rich dessert in small portions.
Storing
Until a container of ice cream is opened, it can be stored for about 2 months in the freezer at 0°F (–18°C). It can be kept longer at –15°F (–26°C), but most home freezers don’t maintain this low a temperature. To partially soften ice cream to make it easier to serve, the container can be placed in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes; serve the desired portion, then return it to the freezer. After they are fully thawed, ice-cream products should not be refrozen.
Nutrition Highlights
Ice cream (chocolate, whole-milk), 1/2 cup (66g)
- Calories: 142
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbohydrate: 18.6g
- Total Fat: 7.2g
- Fiber: 0.0g