Chefs say what makes the best ice cream and what to look out for
When it comes to choosing ice cream, we all have our favourites - but according to top chefs, there is one thing that makes a good tub of vanilla ice cream
Supermarket freezers are a treasure trove of icy delights, with a plethora of choices to satisfy any sweet tooth, and among them, vanilla ice cream reigns supreme as a household essential. Whether it's the star of the show or playing a supporting role to a slice of cake or a handful of berries, this classic flavour is a must-have.
But when it comes to picking the best ice creams, culinary connoisseurs point to one defining feature of a top-notch tub. Chefs from all over Britain have weighed in on what makes the perfect scoop of both vanilla and chocolate ice cream, and their verdict was unanimous.
Chef Sohan Bhandari from luxury celebrity hotspot Colonel Saab said: "A great tub of ice cream starts with balance-richness without being heavy, sweetness that doesn't overpower, and a texture that's smooth.
"I look for depth of flavour, whether it's a classic like vanilla or something more creative."
The mark of excellence? Real deal ingredients.
The chef said: "If I can taste real ingredients, like proper Madagascan vanilla or freshly roasted nuts's when I know it's a quality product."
Madagascan vanilla, also dubbed Bourbon vanilla, is the crème de la crème of vanillas, cherished for its full-bodied, creamy essence that sets the bar high, reports the Express.
Chef Sohan's go-to is Green & Black's Organic Vanilla, praising its authentic custard base and specks of genuine vanilla bean that set it apart.
Who would have thought that such a small detail could make all the difference?
Well, it seems chefs do. All six of them concurred that genuine vanilla seed pods are an absolute must when it comes to traditional ice cream.
Dean Harper, the culinary maestro behind Harper Fine Dining, swears by Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean, praising its "a balance between sweetness and flavour without anything artificial overpowering the taste".
He added: "It's simple with real vanilla seeds and a deep, natural flavour that feels indulgent without being cloying."
Here are some chef-endorsed vanilla ice cream brands:.
Mark Hartstone, the head honcho at La Fosse at Cranborne, is a fan of Purbeck Vanilla bean, describing it as "consistently smooth, rich, and made not far from home".
Jack Pearce, Head Chef at Tom Browns restaurant in Gunthorpe, Nottingham, gives his nod to Thaymar's Clotted Cream and Vanilla, calling it a perfect twist on a British classic.
Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean, made with real vanilla seeds, gets the thumbs up from Dean of Harper Fine Dining.
Sohan Bhandari can't get enough of Green & Black's Organic Vanilla.
When it comes to chocolate ice cream, Jude's Truly Chocolate scooped two votes for being "smooth, rich, and not too sweet."
Both Jack Pearce of Tom Browns and Dean Harper agreed that "it has to be Häagen-Dazs", with the Belgian Chocolate tub hailed as "rich, indulgent, and unbeatable".
Dean has a soft spot for Valrhona Chocolate Ice Cream too, which tantalises the taste buds with its high-end cocoa that offers a delightful balance of bitter and sweet.
Sohan echoes this sentiment, noting that the best chocolate ice creams share a common trait: they boast "cocoa richness without it turning cloying".
Yet, it's not just about the top-notch flavours; the integrity of the ingredients is crucial as well.
Tom Cenci, Executive Chef at Maslow's, emphasises the importance of authenticity in our frozen treats: "When choosing ice cream, the non-negotiable factor is real, natural ingredients. The ingredients list should be straightforward and recognisable, without excessive preservatives."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
3 hours ago
- ITV News
'Adds insult to injury': Windrush campaigners urge the government to save Notting Hill Carnival
Campaigners have urged the Government to step in to protect the future of Notting Hill Carnival as they mark Windrush Day. The west London carnival is in jeopardy, its chairman Ian Comfort said in a letter on Wednesday, when he asked Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to provide urgent funding to save the event. Jacqueline McKenzie, a campaigner and human rights lawyer who helped victims of the Windrush scandal, said the carnival holds 'huge national and international significance'. 'The Government needs to recognise this and act urgently to protect it,' Ms McKenzie said. In the late 1950s, Notting Hill became home to many people from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain on Windrush and accompanying ships, and the carnival was founded by pioneers of that generation. Ms McKenzie said the carnival being at risk 'adds insult to injury' for victims of the Windrush scandal. 'It should not be lost on us that these funding concerns coincide with Windrush Day on Sunday,' she said. 'To see this celebration in jeopardy whilst so many of the Windrush generation continue to fight for justice following the Home Office scandal only adds insult to injury. 'Carnival embodies the fundamental role of Black and Caribbean communities in Britain, and the Government should be upholding the Windrush legacy instead of undermining it.' The carnival attracts around two million people over the August bank holiday, and Susan Hall, leader of the Conservatives on the London Assembly, previously said the event was a 'victim of its own success' and a 'disaster waiting to happen' because of the large number of attendees. City Hall said it has been working with partners to ensure the safety of carnival-goers, which it described as 'paramount'. Professor Patrick Vernon, a cultural historian and Windrush campaigner, said: 'Notting Hill Carnival is far more than a street event — it is a vital cultural institution with both national and international significance. 'As the second-largest carnival in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro, it underscores London's position as a leading global capital of diversity, creativity and cultural exchange.' Professor Vernon campaigned for a national Windrush Day following the 2018 scandal when it was revealed thousands of British people, mainly of Caribbean origin, were wrongly classed as illegal immigrants – with many deported while others faced difficulty securing work, accessing healthcare or housing. 'The injustice faced by the Windrush Generation in recent years makes the threat to Notting Hill Carnival all the more painful,' Professor Vernon said. 'It is a celebration born of resistance, resilience, and unity – a legacy that should be upheld, not undermined. To allow this cornerstone of Black British identity to fall into jeopardy is to further betray the communities who have already given so much. 'As we approach the 70th anniversary of this extraordinary event, we are reminded that Notting Hill Carnival represents the very best of Britain: unity in diversity, creativity in adversity, and joy in community. Now more than ever, these are values worth defending.' Glenda Caesar, director of the Windrush National Organisation, also urged the Government to step in to save the event, adding: 'In the face of historical and ongoing injustices experienced by people of colour, the carnival stands not only as a celebration of resilience, heritage and identity but also as a powerful symbol of unity and inclusion. 'Supporting this event affirms the UK's commitment to embracing diversity, acknowledging its multicultural roots, and fostering a society where all communities feel seen, valued and empowered.' A Government spokesman said: 'Notting Hill Carnival is an important community event, and we recognise that for many it is a moment to come together and celebrate. 'We all want this to go ahead, and event organisers should work with local authorities and the police to keep it safe for everyone attending.'
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Chefs say what makes the best ice cream and what to look out for
When it comes to choosing ice cream, we all have our favourites - but according to top chefs, there is one thing that makes a good tub of vanilla ice cream Supermarket freezers are a treasure trove of icy delights, with a plethora of choices to satisfy any sweet tooth, and among them, vanilla ice cream reigns supreme as a household essential. Whether it's the star of the show or playing a supporting role to a slice of cake or a handful of berries, this classic flavour is a must-have. But when it comes to picking the best ice creams, culinary connoisseurs point to one defining feature of a top-notch tub. Chefs from all over Britain have weighed in on what makes the perfect scoop of both vanilla and chocolate ice cream, and their verdict was unanimous. Chef Sohan Bhandari from luxury celebrity hotspot Colonel Saab said: "A great tub of ice cream starts with balance-richness without being heavy, sweetness that doesn't overpower, and a texture that's smooth. "I look for depth of flavour, whether it's a classic like vanilla or something more creative." The mark of excellence? Real deal ingredients. The chef said: "If I can taste real ingredients, like proper Madagascan vanilla or freshly roasted nuts's when I know it's a quality product." Madagascan vanilla, also dubbed Bourbon vanilla, is the crème de la crème of vanillas, cherished for its full-bodied, creamy essence that sets the bar high, reports the Express. Chef Sohan's go-to is Green & Black's Organic Vanilla, praising its authentic custard base and specks of genuine vanilla bean that set it apart. Who would have thought that such a small detail could make all the difference? Well, it seems chefs do. All six of them concurred that genuine vanilla seed pods are an absolute must when it comes to traditional ice cream. Dean Harper, the culinary maestro behind Harper Fine Dining, swears by Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean, praising its "a balance between sweetness and flavour without anything artificial overpowering the taste". He added: "It's simple with real vanilla seeds and a deep, natural flavour that feels indulgent without being cloying." Here are some chef-endorsed vanilla ice cream brands:. Mark Hartstone, the head honcho at La Fosse at Cranborne, is a fan of Purbeck Vanilla bean, describing it as "consistently smooth, rich, and made not far from home". Jack Pearce, Head Chef at Tom Browns restaurant in Gunthorpe, Nottingham, gives his nod to Thaymar's Clotted Cream and Vanilla, calling it a perfect twist on a British classic. Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean, made with real vanilla seeds, gets the thumbs up from Dean of Harper Fine Dining. Sohan Bhandari can't get enough of Green & Black's Organic Vanilla. When it comes to chocolate ice cream, Jude's Truly Chocolate scooped two votes for being "smooth, rich, and not too sweet." Both Jack Pearce of Tom Browns and Dean Harper agreed that "it has to be Häagen-Dazs", with the Belgian Chocolate tub hailed as "rich, indulgent, and unbeatable". Dean has a soft spot for Valrhona Chocolate Ice Cream too, which tantalises the taste buds with its high-end cocoa that offers a delightful balance of bitter and sweet. Sohan echoes this sentiment, noting that the best chocolate ice creams share a common trait: they boast "cocoa richness without it turning cloying". Yet, it's not just about the top-notch flavours; the integrity of the ingredients is crucial as well. Tom Cenci, Executive Chef at Maslow's, emphasises the importance of authenticity in our frozen treats: "When choosing ice cream, the non-negotiable factor is real, natural ingredients. The ingredients list should be straightforward and recognisable, without excessive preservatives."
Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Wales Online
The man changing the face of Wales' museums
The man changing the face of Wales' museums From once being reluctant to even tell his colleagues he was gay, Mark set about transforming the museum's collection in 2019 when he realised a huge part of Wales' population wasn't being represented In doing so he's uncovered thousands of previously untold stories and changed the face of the museum's collection, making it more representative of Wales' modern society. (Image: John Myers ) Curator Mark Etheridge's favourite artefact in his LGBTQ+ Amgueddfa Cymru collection is a sign from the pub where he came out as gay as a young man. It is from the old King's Cross in Cardiff city centre which was a gay venue from the early seventies until its closure in 2011 - at the time making it Wales' oldest gay bar. 'It's my favourite item in the collection because I have that personal connection there and I think our collections are important from that perspective,' Mark says from the national living museum at St Fagans. It is there that the curator specialises in underrepresented communities and in particular LGBTQ+ history has spent the last six years on something of a personal pilgrimage around Wales collecting 2,300 artefacts depicting the lives of queer Welsh people, and he's not stopping there. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here In doing so he's uncovered thousands of previously untold stories and changed the face of the museum's collection, making it more representative of Wales' modern society. For his work on the collection which can be found online and across the museum sites including at St Fagans, Mark has been named in the top three in this year's annual WalesOnline Pinc List recognising some of Wales' most influential LGBTQ+ people. The King's Cross sign is important to him as a sign of community which helped him at a tricky stage of his life. 'I remember going to the first Cardiff Pride in 1999 still not out to people at work,' he recalls. 'I remember being apprehensive. I remember going into my favourite gay bars in Cardiff - the King's Cross and the Golden - quite nervous about who would see me in there and whether they'd recognise me from my normal life.' From once being reluctant to even tell his colleagues he was gay, Mark set about transforming the museum's collection in 2019 when he realised a huge part of Wales' population wasn't being represented. Article continues below In the collection are pictures of the protests against section 28 in Wales, Wales' first mardi gras, and Western Mail archive photographs of the first pride march through Cardiff 40 years ago (Image: John Myers ) 'I suppose I sort of pushed myself into it by starting to collect what I could. I had done a bit of work around Black history and I realised broadly the museums weren't as representative of Welsh society as we should be. I started to think: 'What gaps do we have in the collection? Whose stories aren't we telling?' The museum was really supportive of focusing more on telling stories of the lives of LGBT+ people.' Items in the collection at St Fagans and held at the museums' storage centre in Nantgarw include changes in 2021 to the ban on gay and bisexual men being allowed to donate blood, the Church in Wales bill which allowed same-sex marriage and civil partnerships to be blessed in September 2021, an order of service for two gay men who had their marriage blessed on the same day, and artefacts from recent inaugural pride events from Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Flint. Also in the collection are pictures of the protests against section 28 in Wales, Wales' first mardi gras, and Western Mail archive photographs of the first pride march through Cardiff 40 years ago which has this week been recognised with an ITV Wales documentary called Proud. 'We're up to now about 2,300 objects within LGBT+ collection whereas when I started we only had a handful,' Mark says. 'We can't display everything we've got so by digitising and putting it onto the website it means that there's a permanent visibility for the whole collection online.' Western Mail archive image of the first every pride march through Cardiff in June 1985 The first Cardiff gay pride march is celebrated in the collection. This week the 40th anniversary of the march has been recognised (Image: Mirrorpix ) 'It is challenging because some of the items in the collection are very ephemeral,' Mark explains, showing badges from the first march from Cardiff Gay Liberation Front and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. 'Very few people would have been members of these groups at the time so to get things like badges which have survived to this day is pretty unique.' He tells of how being a curator focusing on LGBTQ+ history can be difficult because so much of queer history has been erased. He's almost starting from scratch and trying to document moments from the present day which he believes will prove to be important stories to tell in the future. 'It's kind of about getting the message out there and taking people on this journey with us, to tell them that their stories and their lives now are so important and should be documented for future generations,' he says. 'That could be if they were members of a protest, for example. As people pass away or clear out the house people might just chuck these pieces like placards or banners in the bin. "Take the recent trans rights protests we've seen in Wales. It's important that it is remembered and the struggle for trans people is recognised. So I have found it's crucial someone is very deliberately visible and saying: 'Please don't chuck your placards or badges away. They could be really powerful symbols of inspiration in the future.' 'It doesn't have to be just protests though. That's something I'm quite keen for the displays to show - that it isn't just about activism in terms of protesting and pride but that there are lots of stories about LGBT+ people just living their everyday lives in Wales openly. That's powerful activism in itself.' The collection also celebrates the lives of gay couple Reg Mickisch and George Walton which was told by Mike Parker in his book titled On the Red Hill (Image: Mike Parker ) Reg (right) and George (left) at the beach in the 50s (Image: Mike Parker ) The collection also celebrates the lives of Reg Mickisch and George Walton, a gay couple who lived through the Second World War and both died having lived their later years at an idyllic house named Rhiw Goch just outside of Machynlleth. The story is told by their friend Mike Parker, who they left Rhiw Goch to, in a book called On the Red Hill which you can read about here. 'I think Reg and George are a perfect example of that,' Mark says. 'As them living their everyday lives together during a time when it was illegal is a form of activism in itself. Being visible is everything. 'What was also special about the Reg and George story was that they lived very rural lives which is something often not depicted in queer history. So much of Wales is rural and it's crucial that in our collection we show the lives of queer rural living. Historically LGBT+ people have often moved to the big cities but many have also built their lives in rural areas and their stories shouldn't be forgotten. 'The difficulty can sometimes be making those connections, especially rurally. I went to the first Powys Pride in Llanrindod Wells and it was fantastic. Sometimes when I ask for things to recognise the events people worry their items aren't expensive or historic enough, but that's really not what's important. "It also doesn't matter if only a few people attend these pride events in smaller rural villages. What's important is recognising the fact they're happening and to celebrate being unapologetically yourself within the community in which you live.' Memorabilia belonging to Howard Llewellyn who set up the Cardiff Gay Liberation Front in 1971 (Image: Adrian White ) A badge from the Cardiff Gay Liberation Front which was worn during the first march in 1985 in Cardiff (Image: Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales ) He is proud of how much the museum has achieved in creating the collection so far, but feels there is still further to go. 'Sometimes I wonder why it has taken so long to achieve such a collection in Wales but I wonder if that's a little bit about what the community is about itself," he says. "Why has it taken until 2019 for LGBT+ events to be part of the national Eisteddfod or to be part of the Urdd? Why is it only in very recent years we've had our first pride event in a big Welsh city like Newport? We're making significant progress in lots of ways and I think the collection is a bit of a reflection of that really. Curators can't create history. They're vehicles for the people we tell stories of.' Article continues below
