Midsummer Ice Cream Dreams

 

HALLIE EPHRON: It’s hot hot hot out there, which means it’s ICE CREAM TIME! In my neck of the woods that means it’s time to go over to The Ice Creamsmth – a tiny store where they make their own ice cream and the best hot fudge sauce ever in the basement of a tiny store on a busy street.

It opened in 1976 and I’ve been patronizing it ever since—the first owners were Robyn and David Mabel who’ve now retired and their kids, Sarah Mabel-Skillin and Chris Skillin, have taken over. (Jerry and I used to go ballroom dancing with Robyn and David. They're amazingly slender and nimble for a couple who have spent half of their lives making great ice cream.)

There’s usually a line out the door. Their special flavors this month: Birthday Cake, Blueberry, and Coconut Pineapple but I’m a sucker for their Sweet Cream (with hot fudge of course).

So are you drawn to a local ice cream spot as the temperature hovers in the 90s (or worse), and what’s your pleasure when you get to the front of the line and it’s your turn to order?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Oh, that sounds fabulous. I love ice cream– maybe…one bite or two. (And then I don’t need any more because the fear of calories takes away the fun. And the first bites are always the best.)

But my fave of all time is Jamoca Almond Fudge, remember? From Baskin Robbins, and it was coffee ice cream with chocolate-covered almonds. SO delicious! I also love lemon sorbet with chocolate sauce, or with blueberries. Or raspberries. And that coconut pineapple sounds DIVINE! Could we put it in a blender with rum?

RHYS BOWEN: We’ve just come back from Cornwall where we had to eat the clotted cream ice cream. So sinfully good! My favorite flavor is always salted caramel although I’m also addicted to Baskin Robbins pralines and cream.

And when I’m in Italy my favorite gelato is stratiacelli which is like chocolate chip but better.

We do have a local shop here called Silberman’s. It’s been around since our kids were small and every sports team–soccer, baseball, swimteam etc. would wind up there after Saturday games. I’m glad it’s still going strong and the ice cream is still good.

JENN MCKINLAY: Give me all the ice cream. It’s supposed to be 110+ here in AZ so I’d bathe in the ice cream if I could. My flavor preference changes from day to day and there is no flavor that I don’t like but I can give my top three: coffee, salted caramel, or mint chip.

These flavors have endured as my go to choices over decades. I don’t see it changing any time soon and they all pair quite well with hot fudge and whipped cream. Yum.

LUCY BURDETTE: In our CT hometown, the best ice cream is at Ashley’s.

It may sound a little odd, but my favorite thing to order is a root beer float with sweet cream ice cream. I don’t think too much about calories as Hank does–everything in moderation, but since my triglycerides came back a little high this time (everything else excellent!), I’m going to have to eschew the hot fudge…

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: In my area, there’s a favorite ice cream shop called Beals - no indoor sitting, just a couple of benches and picnic tables, but the line always stretches to the parking lot.

Lots of happy memories of stopping there with the kids as a special treat on a hot day.

My faves? Homemade strawberry (not the boxed kind, it has to be really thick with macerated berries,) mint chocolate chip (always good everywhere) and my new fave, salted caramel, which I only had for the first time a couple years ago.

Oh, and I haven’t been, but there’s a small shack on Sabbathday Lake, Bresca & the Honeybee, which is getting national attention for its ice cream. The chef/owner is a multiple James Beard nominee and ran a highly regarded restaurant in Portland until it all got too much, and, much like many heroines in a cozy mystery, relocated to a very small town to start her own ice cream business!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Hallie, you got me started looking up gelato places on our town square and there are three! Obviously we need to make a point to go out for ice cream…

I'm not normally a big ice cream eater, but when I was in London it was ice cream, ice cream, everywhere! I had a scoop of strawberry gelato a couple of times at restaurants, but the biggest treat was the day I went to Teddington Lock. Everyone walking along the river had ice cream, sold from an Airstream trailer called The Flying Cloud Cafe, so i couldn't resist. I got a scoop of Marshfield Farms (made in the Cotswolds) Black Currant with Clotted Cream, and it was so good that I'm still thinking about it. Maybe it's a good thing that it's very far away now…

HALLIE: Now I'm on the hunt for "clotted cream ice cream" to have in my rootbeer float... So, where's your favorite ice cream place in your neck of the woods, and what are you craving from there?

In Our Time by Abby Collette

JENN McKINLAY: Author serendipity: that time, at Bouchercon in Dallas, when I went to the Berkley cocktail party with my fellow Red, Rhys Bowen, and met a lovely author named Abby Collette. We all bonded over the amazing guacamole being made right in front of us and started chatting about our books, as authors do. 

Abby mentioned her first mystery with Berkley was coming out and it was set around an ice cream parlor. I had just been asked to read a new mystery in the same setting. Abby and I realized her book was the book I was about to read! Crazy, right? 

Suffice to say, I loved the book and I adored my time with Abby. She is delightful in person and on the page, and she's here to tell us about how she's getting through quarantine and about her fabulous cozy mystery: A Deadly Inside Scoop.

On Sale: MAY 12th

Abby Collette: Books can transport us from the world we’re in and the troubles that surround us to the good places within its pages. A much needed getaway. Inside books we find heroes, love, laughter, beauty, escape and mirrored characterizations of our wonderful world with all of its quirks and flaws. I love getting lost in a book, and as a writer I love creating those worlds. But since our real world has been turned upside down, I’ve had a hard time writing. Someone told me I was grieving. I can’t say that isn’t true. 

In these days the invasion social media has into our lives may have turned into a good thing. (Never thought I’d say that!) Many have used it to reach out, share and comfort. I especially appreciate the encouraging words coming in from the literary community.

Recently, as inspiration, it has been floated around how Newton, while quarantined, wrote an essay that was the basis for calculus. And how Shakespeare, on being ordered to stay inside, penned King Lear. Proof certain good things can come from bad times (although I don’t know whether there are many of us who think calculus is a good thing.) 

Most everyone appreciates Shakespeare and what he has given to the literary world and our lexicon. While it isn’t for sure that he wrote King Lear while on quarantine, it is true that he and all of London (during Shakespeare’s London years) were often ordered not to venture outside during many of the years he wrote plays. Reading his works, it is evident how that world seeped into the words, characters and plot devices of the stories he created.

For instance, in Romeo and Juliet, a sudden plague outbreak forces the messenger dispatched to take a letter to Romeo into quarantine. The note explained that Juliet had faked her death. But for the “shelter at home” order given to the messenger, Romeo would not have thought Juliet was dead and that story could have had a happy ending. And in Macbeth and indeed King Lear, Shakespeare included references to the ongoing pandemic of his time.  

Unlike Shakespeare, I don’t want the stories I pen to be plagued (no pun intended) with the circumstances of our present time. As I move through these days and try to make my isolation period more productive, I have been reminded by my writing community that writing can help to work through feelings, to stay positive because writing for me is familiar and comforting and I too can escape.

I write cozies, and in them we always find that the amateur sleuth makes the best of a bad situation, which, as you know, is usually murder. And in my latest book, A Deadly Inside Scoop, Win, the main character is no different. She reopens her family’s ice cream shop after a long remodeling delay only for an unexpected snow storm to hit. Because of it, no one shows up. But like Newton and Shakespeare, she does. She shows up and doesn’t let her circumstances keep her down. Remembering how her grandmother persevered, Win decides to take that snow and make snow ice cream. 

After a slow start, I’ve found ways to stay motivated by staying connected. I’ve taught a three-week class with Literary Cleveland, a local organization committed to helping writers and readers, and I’ve been able to check in and spend time with my weekly library #amwriting group, both via video chat. And I’ve been inspired by the stories I’ve again started to write.

The time that Newton was quarantined history has called his annus mirabelis—a remarkable or auspicious year. Maybe we, like Newton, Shakespeare and Win in my book, can turn this year around into something better, maybe even great. Only history will tell.

How about you, Red and Readers, how are you finding your time in quarantine? Anyone coming up with a new calculus? Please say no.

WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, and internationally best selling author, Abby L. Vandiver, also writing as Abby Collette, has always enjoyed writing, combining that with her gift for telling stories and love of mystery, she became an author.

Abby's an hybrid author. Her debut novel, In the Beginning and its sequels, Irrefutable Proof and Incarnate are fact mixed with fiction, mystery/sci-fi novels not written as action packed or fast paced, but as "what-if" alternative history stories. After those books were published, Abby switched to writing cozy mysteries. Finding much success, she has three series so far, Logan Dickerson Cozy Mystery, Normal Junction Cozy Mystery and Tiny House Mysteries, all self-published. In 2017, she contracted with Henery Press for a 3-book deal to pen the series Romaine Wilder Mysteries. Her new #ownvoice cozy mystery series, An Ice Cream Parlor Mystery by Berkley Penguin will debut in May 2020. The first book in the series is A Deadly Inside Scoop. 

Abby, a former lawyer and college professor, has a bachelor's degree in Economics, a master's in Public Administration, and a Juris Doctor. A lifetime resident of Cleveland, Ohio, Abby spends all of her time writing and enjoying her wonderful grandchildren.

Abby's got many more books to come, so stay tuned!

Visit her: www.abbyvandiver.com
Email her: abbylvandiver@aol.com
Follow her: @AbbyVandiver
Keep up with new releases: www.bookbub.com/authors/abby-l-vandiver

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day!

JENN McKINLAY: Today is National Vanilla Ice Cream Day! Hurray! Yes, this means you can have ice cream for dinner. You're welcome! And, by the way, if vanilla ice cream is your favorite, it means you’re impulsive!

Of course it’s 100% true because I read it in a Reader's Digest online story! I know we have some unusual flavors out there thanks to Julia's Fast Five a few days ago but maybe you'll find yourself on this list. The breakdown: 

Vanilla = Impulsive

Strawberry = Introvert

Chocolate = Flirtatious

Mint Chocolate Chip = Argumentative

Rainbow Sherbert = Pessimistic

Rocky Road = Aggressive

Coffee = Dramatic

Chocolate Chip = Generous

Butter Pecan = Conscientious

Normally, I think these online lists are bogus, but this is where it gets a little crazy. In my house, we happen to have two strawberry ice cream lovers and both are introverts. There is also a mint chocolate chip lover, who from the time he could talk (at six months – very early with full sentences -- mostly, we believe, so he could yell at us) who is the poster child of a born debater. And, lastly, a coffee flavor lover who is just a little bit “extra” at times. Yes, that’s me, the (ahem) dramatic one.

So, what about you, Reds and Readers? What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream from this list and what does it say about you? If it’s not on the list, make something up. We’ll totally believe you!

Fast Five for Mid-Summer

The winner of VICTORIA FALLS is Rick Robiinson! Rick, you can contact James Hornor on Gmail; he's jbhornor.

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: This week is the midpoint of summer, half-way between Memorial day and Labor Day. Everyone is busy traveling, writing, visiting friends, and hopefully enjoying everything the season has to offer, so it's the  perfect moment for another Fast Five!

Favorite ice cream flavor?  Mint chocolate chip, especially Hood's Red Sox Green Monster Mint, where instead of chips you get tiny chocolate socks.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel. Ross and I went on a roller coaster ONCE when our usual roller-coaster loving friend wasn't available and Youngest desperately wanted to ride. Greater love hath no parent than to induce nausea for his child.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both, and sunscreen. Mr. Sol is not your friend, people!

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? I should say mountain retreat because it's more on-brand for my fiction, but I'm going to go with lake house. Preferable one that's also near a ski resort.

Best part of summer so far?  Working on time organization with Celia, July 4th on the eastern Prom in Portland, with fireworks and the PSO, Thrillerfest weekend in NYC!

LUCY BURDETTE:
Favorite ice cream flavor? Can I say root beer float? That's sweet cream ice cream and old fashioned root beer, yum...

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel--turns out a distant relative used to manufacture them, so how could I not?

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Ball cap and sunglasses

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? We're doing double family reunions this summer. My side's took place beside lake Superior, which is incredibly beautiful. Next week beach side with 50 of John's family on Cape Cod. By then we'll need another vacation!

Best part of summer so far? Magical trip to Scotland with a dash of Ireland.

HALLIE EPHRON
Favorite ice cream flavor? The rose and lychee flavored gelato I had in Tuscany.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Pass. Because ten years ago it would have been roller coaster. LOVE roller coasters. But I've read too much about how your brain sloshes around in your skull when you ride one.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Definitely both. I have a straw hat that started out red and blue and green and it's now bleached pastel.

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach house. I like to take flat walks.

Best part of summer so far? Of course, teaching in Tuscany for Minerva Education. I worked with the most fantastic writers, ate the best food, and got to bring my husband along. Alora... when are we going back?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: 
Favorite ice cream flavor? Jamoca Almond Fudge. This is coffee ice cream with chocolate covered almonds. I ASK you--how great  is that?  Summer flavor, though--pineapple sorbet.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?  Roller coaster, theoretically, if don't actually have to ride it.  I think amusement park rides may be a thing of my past. Ferris wheels are, forgive me, boring.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. Most def. Although my one regret in life (!) is that I look terrible in baseball caps. Sigh. But sunglasses are a gift from the heavens.

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Beach. No question. Because bugs.

Best part of summer so far?  I bought watermelon strawberry seltzer thinking it was pink grapefruit.  But! Mixed with vodka and ice and fresh lime? Winner. And..I dunno, happiness.

DEBORAH CROMBIE:
Favorite ice cream flavor? Haagen Daz Rum Raisin. And vanilla in a root beer float.

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel, if I must. Roller coasters are high on my "You couldn't pay me to..." list.

Hat, sunglasses, or both? Both. Love my big straw gardening hat.

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat? Hmm. Beach. I've never stayed in a beach house. Putting on my bucket list.

Best part of summer so far? My trip to visit my friend in Kansas City at the beginning of June. Lovely garden, lovely weather, lovely food, fun outings, and a homemade Cosmo or two.

RHYS BOWEN:
Favorite ice cream flavor: Three Twins salted caramel

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?  I hate anything that goes fast but  can tolerate a Ferris Wheel. Especially a giant one with a view over the city.

Hat. Sunglasses or both?  Both when I am out walking or sightseeing. Never leave home without my sunglasses all year after cataract surgery.

Beach house, lakeside cottage or mountain retreat?  Beach house. Definitely. Love beaches especially white sandy ones bordered by palm trees.

Best part of summer so far? That one's easy. Spending two weeks with my daughter's family in a house on the River Seine in France. Such a wonderful time, sitting late on the deck by the river, enjoying a meal and laughing a lot.

Now it's your turn, dear readers! Cut and paste the questions and give us a glimpse of your summer in the comments.

 
Favorite ice cream flavor?

Roller coaster or Ferris wheel?

Hat, sunglasses, or both?

Beach house, lakeside cottage, or mountain retreat?

Best part of summer so far?