Listen to Riesen

In honor of already broken New Year's Resolutions I thought I would discuss the objects of my downfall.

Those of you that know me are aware that I am what they euphemistically call 'husky.' Although I tend to eat rather healthily I do tend to overeat. If I could cut back on my portions I would probably naturally slenderize.

In general I don't eat sweets. With a few exceptions. I am utterly helpless to ice cream and I have a jones for Riesen and/or Flake.

My first job at the tender age of 18 was at an ice cream store called Robin Rose at the Westside Pavillion. It was there I learned a deep appreciation of dairy and non-dairy frozen delectables that continues with me today. I know the effects of air, milk fat, eggs and sugar on heated cream. My refined palate knows when a maker cheats by adding milk solids and stabilizers or ruins the subtlety of flavors by adding preservatives. Haagen Dazs, Ben & Jerry's and a few other 'premium' ice creams are edible but i find them lacking You can taste the gunk they add to make the product last on store shelves.


I don't mean to be a snob but when you try a true ice cream without added crap, like the afore-linked Strauss Family Dairy or McConnell's of Santa Barbara and then try a mass-produced product like Breyers or Dreyers you can instantly tell the difference. And there is a difference. Even compared to HD and BJ, Strauss and McConnells's are still superior.

The first thing you notice is the large quantity of air that is whipped in the major brands. The air increases the volume of the product and effectively lowers the fat and calories per serving. That's because there is less actual ice cream per spoonful. It also tends to blend the flavors into a non-discernible amalgam of sweet. So you end up paying for flavorless air with some milk and sugar mixed in for looks. Many manufacturers try to hide the lack of flavor by adding mix-ins. Ben & Jerry's are particularly are fond of this tactic. Not only does it mask the poor quality base product it provides ample co-marketing opportunities.

My advice to you is to seek out smaller brands that don't fill the carton with crap. Read the label. If there are unpronounceable ingredients something is wrong. Trust me, it's a much better experience. And, let the Ice Cream soften. The spoon should slice through like a hot knife thorough butter.

Now for the candy.

Ah, Riesen. Chewy toffee covered in dark chocolate. Such a simple confection, such a dramatic flavor. I remember the first TV ads, as a child, when the product was launched. I went out that day and bought a package. I enjoyed them then and they have only gotten better as i have aged. Something about the combination of the sweet toffee juxtaposed to the bitter dark chocolate is just yummy.

Flake, it makes me laugh. This crumbly chocolate stick is essentially a drizzled stream of chocolate frozen in time. The delicate nature of the candy requires you to stop and pay attention to what you are enjoying. Unlike ice cream the added air benefits the flavor release of the chocolate. It falls apart in your mouth and the chocolate melts across all of your taste buds in an explosion of chocolately goodness.

Generally American candies are far too sweet for me. I like delicate flavors. I appreciate when Strawberry gelato tastes like fresh-picked strawberries, not strawberry Jello.

I hope you enjoyed my discourse on my addictions. If none of these existed I could drop 30 pounds in the next few months.

As a good Jew, maybe I'll try to give them up for Lent.