The Conversation
If you grew up with your parents telling you that you can’t have ice cream for dinner, they probably never thought about it including avocado, balsamic vinegar or goat cheese. There has been a true revolution in the world of ice cream, and the only rule is that there are no rules. We’ve collected a variety of salty, sweet and just plain unusual combinations that will inspire you to bring the ice cream maker out of storage immediately. Get ready, ’cause these 15 sweet and savory desserts are going to blow your ice-cream-lovin’ mind.
1. Strawberry Balsamic Rosemary Ice Cream: Balsamic + Rosemary is already a winning combo. Add strawberries to that and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how delicious it actually is. (via Brit + Co)
2. Lemon Poppyseed Ice Cream: We know this is already delicious in muffin form, so ice cream is a logical next step. (via Whole New Mom)
3. Matcha Mint: We feel relaxed just thinking about this blissful combo that’s typically reserved for our morning tea. (via Bojon Gourmet)
4. Fig Ice Cream: If you’ve only experienced fig through Fig Newtons, this a must-try. (via Saveur)
5. Red Beet, Honey, Rose Water, Goat Cheese and Goat Milk Ice Cream: The ingredients might be a mouthful to say, but if they taste as delicious as it looks, we’re willing to give it a try. (via A Brown Table)
6. Maple Frozen Custard With Candied Bacon: The only thing we’re left wondering is if this flavor comes with a side of pancakes. Either way, it caught our attention at bacon. (via Foodie with Family)
7. Coconut Curry Ice Cream With Honey Salted Cashews: Curry combines a variety of sweet and savory spices that lends itself to be a better partner for ice cream than you might have imagined. (via Aida Mollenkamp)
8. Banana Curry Ice Cream: If you’re going to try curry in your ice cream, we might as well make it more attainable by sharing two different recipes. (via Scoop Adventures)
9. Banana Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream: We love avocados and ice cream equally, so how could bringing them together be anything but right? (via The Saffron Girl)
10. Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream: Imagine topping this off with caramel popcorn. Yep, we went there. (via Clockwork Lemon)
11. Vanilla Ice Cream With Olive Oil and Sea Salt: This is one vanilla ice cream that doesn’t require any additional toppings. (via Honestly Yum)
12. Goat Cheese Balsamic Ice Cream: The blogger behind the recipe notes it tastes like a really, really good cheesecake, and we couldn’t be more excited to try it! (via Brooklyn Supper)
13. Sweet Corn With a Salted Caramel Swirl and Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips: We’ve seen corn show up in some pretty unexpected dishes. This ice cream recipe definitely takes the cake. (via How Sweet Eats)
14. Jalapeño Cheesecake Ice Cream: Now that’s a spicy ice cream! Since they say milk is the best way to cool down the heat, maybe this recipe is on to something. (via Meats and Sweets)
15. Brown Sugar Bourbon Ice Cream: We never did meet a booze-spiked cone that we didn’t like. (via Brit + Co)
What’s the most unusual ice cream combination you’ve ever tried? Tell us in the comments!
Diana is a digital strategist, writer, baker and coffee addict currently living in Chicago, IL. When Diana is not busy working as an independent Pinterest consultant you can find her running, brunching and consistently seeking out curiosity in every situation. Follow along with Diana’s work and projects at www.BlairCuriosity.com or check out her Instagram.
More From Dessert Recipes
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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