One treat that has stood the test of time is the ice cream sandwich. When warm weather rolls around, many people opt for this frozen concoction. It helps cool folks down and beat the heat. Here’s how this treat came to be in America.
The History of the Ice Cream Sandwich
The first ice cream sandwich sold for a penny in 1900 in New York. The treat was sold by street vendors and its popularity quickly took off. Recipes for ice cream sandwiches began popping up in newspapers everywhere. They often featured shortbread or sponge cake with ice cream tucked in between.
Eventually, some of the country’s finest restaurants capitalized on the movement and put ice cream sandwiches on their menu.
Since the 1970’s, demand for the homemade variety has fallen off, replaced by mass produced ice cream sandwiches in grocery store freezers. This is still the case today as people prefer the convenience of ready-made food.
However, the popularity of ice cream sandwiches has not gone away. In fact, an average of 48 are gobbled up every second in America. The treat also ranks as the second best-selling ice cream novelty. The eastern part of the country consumes about 50% of ice cream sandwiches in America.
Today, the popular treat can be found at restaurants, mom & pop shops, food trucks, and in kitchens.
Why People Like Ice Cream Sandwiches
There are many reasons why folks are attracted to this yummy treat. First of all, there’s nothing better than eating ice cream surrounded by two warm cookies. It’s socially acceptable to mix and match what’s sandwiching the ice cream. Plus, it’s okay to lick an ice cream sandwich in public. You can also share with a friend or have one for lunch. The best part is eating an ice cream sandwich is intensely gratifying to the mind, body, and soul.
Traditional Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes
There are endless recipes for this common treat. In 1928, George Whitney placed ice cream between oatmeal cookies and dipped them into melted chocolate. About 20 years later, Jerry Newberg sold sandwiches of vanilla ice cream and chocolate waters at baseball games. In 1978, Richard LaMotta made the “chipwich”, featuring vanilla ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies. In Vietnam, folks scooped ice cream onto bread pieces topped with peanuts.
Homemade Sandwich Recipes
If you have time, you can create ice-cream sandwiches from scratch. Homemade dough can be made with the standard ingredients and cocoa powder. The truly ambitious can also make homemade vanilla ice cream.
Another option is to cook up a package of chocolate chip cookie mix. Put your favorite ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sherbet between two freshly baked cookies. Add candy sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for a special touch as you lick around the edges.
Ice cream sandwiches are a fabulous cool summer treat. With a little creativity, you can whip up a batch of your choice and indulge in deliciousness!
Craving an Ice Cream Treat?
If you want an ice cream treat or are celebrating a special occasion, Norwood Ice Cream is here to serve you! We are a small ice cream shop located in Eldersburg, Maryland. Each unique ice cream flavor is handcrafted in small batches right in our store. We cater weddings, parties, special celebrations, corporate events, and more. Drop by for a visit or call us at 410-875-7238 for more information.