While in Music City for the KEEN Digital Summit last year, Kristin Luna and I hit up Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in East Nashville. This was my first experience with what is often referred to as “artisanal” ice cream.
Two words. Blown away.
The genius behind the delicious, Jeni Britton Bauer, quit school in 1996 to open her first ice cream shop in Columbus, Ohio. She has since been recognized in publications like Time, Cooking Light, Saveur, and Food & Wine.
I was impressed to learn that Jeni’s ice cream begins with grass-grazed Ohio milk and Fair Trade certification. #Winning!
So, as it goes, I sampled many of their flavors. Salty Caramel. Askinosie Dark Milk Chocolate. Brambleberry Crisp. The Milkiest Chocolate in the World — yes, that’s an actual flavor.
The one that stole my heart… the one I literally have dreams about… The Buckeye State.
It is described on their website as “rich and salty peanut butter [that] yields to the crunch of exceptional dark chocolate for perfect balance“.
I can’t say enough about this ice cream. It’s creamy, it’s got fun texture with the tiniest chocolate shavings, it’s lick-the-bowl good. And-then-have-a-temper-tantrum-because-it’s-all-gone good.
If, like me, you don’t live in Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, or Georgia (where Jeni’s shops are located), you can order online or find pints at a variety of stores, including Whole Foods.
I really need to get my hands on a pint. And soon! This post definitely didn’t help my insane cravings for a scoop (or two. or three.) of that Buckeye State ice cream!
Have you tried Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams? Which flavor is your favorite?