“When I’m no longer rapping, I want to open up an ice cream parlor and call myself Scoop Dogg.” Snoop Dogg
We’re in ice cream’s high season now, and for those of you fighting with your ice cream scoop, we’re hoping one of these will solve the problem.
The classic Zeroll scoop can cut into hard ice cream because of its heat-conducting core. The metal bowl melts through the ice cream as you scoop. Its handle has a special fluid that transfers the heat from your hand to scoop. It delivers pretty scoops and it is very easy to clean. It apparently is used in many ice cream shops. The Zeroll 1020 Original Ice Cream Scoop is $13.09.
If that doesn’t work for you, coming in second place in most surveys is the Oxo Good Grips Point Ice Cream Scoop. It has a comfortable non-slip handle and a pointed scoop that can dig through the hardest ice cream. It is dishwasher-safe. $8.99.
Tovolo has a different approach with this scoop. It is designed with a footed handle which keeps the scoop from dripping on the counter top. The handle is ergonomic and easy to use. It has heat-retaining material to create the perfect scoop. It is dishwasher-safe. $11.00.
This scoop also wins much praise. It is great looking, and scoops even, round scoops. The handle is comfortable and the scoop is sturdy. It has a hanging ring for easy storage. It is made of stainless steel. $19.96.
The Norpro 682 Anti Freeze ice cream scooper wins high marks. It is made of heavy gauge aluminum alloy. Defrosting fluid is sealed inside the handle which makes scooping easy. Hand washing is recommended. $5.87.
The Zyliss ice cream scoop has an ergonomic plastic handle and a sturdy metal blade for easy scooping. It is a heavy scoop well designed to get into the hardest frozen desserts. It is dishwasher-safe and is good for right or left-handed use. $8.99.
These Maine-made hand-turned wood handled scoops are gorgeous. I have held them all and they are very comfortable to hold and scoop with. Totally elegant! They measure approximately 10.5” x 1.75” diameter. The woods are mahogany, Indian Rosewood, walnut, red heart and maple. $60.00 each.
Tips for scooping frozen desserts:
If you need pretty scoops, scoop them ahead of when you are serving. Plop the scoops into a lined muffin tin and freeze. Before serving, put the mounds into a bowl.
If your dessert is frozen solid, pop it in the microwave and zap in 10-second increments until it’s the softness you like.
Run your scoop under hot water before scooping.
Right-handers should scoop clockwise from the edge of container. Left-handers should scoop counter-clockwise from the edge.
If you store your frozen treat on the freezer door it will stay soft. If you store it at the back of the freezer it will freeze solid. Ice cream & gelato should not stay soft for long. I recommend storing your ice cream type desserts at the back of the freezer and move them to the door in time for a party.
A note about my favorite gelato – Maine creamery Gelato Fiasco will ship anywhere. The flavors are all delicious. My favorites are Brown Butter Pecan, Caramel Sea Salt,and Espresso Chip. $60.00 for 6 pints.
