If you're not familiar with Italian ice, you need to try it!
Italian ice is a frozen dessert that is absolutely divine. Not the same thing as ice cream or shaved ice, it is a creamy and refreshing frozen treat that simply melts in your mouth.
“Italian ice is a mixture of fruit, water, and sugar made much like ice cream,” explains Dee Moore of Mama D’s Italian Ice.
Italian ice differs from shaved ice or sno cones in that the flavorings are blended into the mixture rather than simply being poured over the top. Like ice cream, the ingredients are frozen while being blended together. The major difference from ice cream is there is no addition of dairy.
“My favorite flavor is definitely chocolate. And I am inspired by the seasonal fruits. So as peaches come out, watermelon, berries … then I make flavors according to what fruits are in season.” I just love Dee’s strawberry lemonade and lime margarita flavors.
Dee uses a professional mixer to prepare her Italian ice. If you wanted to make it at home, you could get a similar flavor by making a granita. The major difference would be the texture. You just can’t get that creaminess that a professional does with out a professional machine.
And guess what! You could possibly even say that Italian ice is healthy! “So since Italian ice is water based, there is no fat. And it’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, and mine happens to be nut-free.”
Once you taste it, I am sure you will agree that there is not a better treat on a steamy August day.
This is Jennifer Chandler with The Weekly Dish. Stay Cool!
Mama D’s Italian Ice is located at 305 New Byhalia, Suite 101 in the Target Shopping Center in Collierville. It is also available at the Botanic Garden Farmers Market on most Wednesdays.
