Top 10: Evolution of Childhood Desserts

popcorn gelato

There are certain smells, flavors, and most importantly desserts (for those with a sweet tooth) that take us back to childhood memories of indulgence, messiness, and overall happiness. For some of us, it could be the simple aroma of our grandmother’s signature chocolate cake recipe, or the s’mores we’ve enjoyed with friends and loved ones around a crackling camp fire. Fast forward to adulthood. Who doesn’t occasionally delight in the feeling of nostalgia? But these cherished memories of culinary magic don’t have to be a thing of the past. Childhood desserts have evolved to serve your adult tastes with the same sweetness that first introduced you to the pleasures of desserts as a child.

10. If You Are Happy And You Popcorn It

Popcorn and a movie was a great Saturday treat … if we behaved. Now, popcorn is incorporated into desserts and even premium gelato and ice cream flavors. The popcorn ice cream with Madagascan chocolate ganache and candied peanuts offered at Le Bernardin in New York is a great example of this tasty evolution, taking that Saturday movie snack to a different level.

9. Clap Your Hands (And Have a Drink)

The Miss Congeniality of butters – peanut butter. Who hasn’t taken a peanut butter & jelly sandwich to school? Flor de Caña rum and Gianfranco of Tippling Bros. created a PB&J cocktail – a grown-up way to enjoy a lunch box favorite during happy hour.

8. All the King’s Milkshakes and All the King’s Spirits

A milkshake could be counted as a meal (it does have milk), or even the perfect complement to a burger and fries. But now the timeless combination of ice cream blended with milk has evolved to include a new ingredient in some instances – alcohol. A little splash of vodka (or as you see fit) will give this all-American classic a regal face lift.

7. Ice Cream Had a Little Float Whose Head Was Made of Foam

The original simple float made of carbonated water, syrup, and ice cream was created in 1874. Nowadays, these beloved refreshers are available with different soda flavors, and the optional addition of alcohol including a shot of bourbon, or submerged in Guinness®. Adult floats have also been incorporated into the famous Gin & Tonic cocktail.

6. Jack and Jill Ate Up the Chocolate Chip Hill

Gone are the days of the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Today’s upgraded cookie recipes include ingredients such as cocoa powder, sea salt, root beer, or even stout beer. The finished presentation has also evolved from a simple plate to a more gourmet approach like the cast iron skillet.

5.  To Fetch a Pail of Pie Recipes

Grandma’s pies were full of sweet fruits and motherly warmth. Today’s pastries now offer fillings of custard or ice cream, as in the updated recipe created by famed Irish chef Cathal Armstrong. The extra kick is attributed to the Whiskey Crème Anglaise.

4. Talking about Jack … Let’s Talk About Spiked Brownies

This creation, brought to you by Blackinese Brownies from the Philippines, spikes this indulgent dessert up a few notches with the addition of Jack Daniels. According to Spot Philippines Guide website, the famous Tennessee whiskey highlights the depth of rich chocolate, making it a unique experience.

3. Snow Sat On Top of A Cone

Nothing says grown up like the addition of alcohol. In this case, enjoy the old-school triangular cup dessert spiked with your favorite choice of alcohol. Or create your own cocktail with some crushed ice.

2. Hickory Dickory Doughnut

From the revolutionary croissant-doughnut hybrid, the Cronut®, to new-day flavor varieties including green tea, salted caramel, and savory recipes, doughnuts have matured into much more than a simple breakfast pastry. Top with your favorite childhood cereal for an innovative touch that excites your inner-child.

1. Incey Wincey Frozen Pop

As kids we enjoyed the refreshing frozen pops made of water and blended with fruit juice. Now frozen pops, and their trendier sister paletas, are available with a twist. Adding your favorite alcoholic drink to the mix instantly creates a sophisticated after-dinner refresher, or innovative addition to any menu (for those over 21, of course!).

banana pick me up frozen pop

RECIPE: BANANA PICK-ME-UP FROZEN POP

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Beginner

Banana Pick-Me-Up Drink

INGREDIENTS

80g (2.8oz) whole milk
40g (1.4oz) white rum
60g (2.1oz)  PreGel Fruit Lounge® – Banana – 31076

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake and strain into serving glass.

Banana Gelato (Hot Process)

INGREDIENTS

3000g (105.8oz) whole milk
150g (5.3oz) cream
540g (19.0oz) sugar
60g (2.1oz) PreGel Dextrose – 83611
150g (5.3oz) PreGel Diamant 50 (Milk Base – Hot Process) – 01748
150g (5.3oz) PreGel Nonfat Dry Milk (Grade A, Low Heat) – 82013
140g (4.9oz) PreGel Blue Angel Traditional Paste (Fruity Banana) – 12372

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Combine all ingredients in a large plastic bucket.
2. Mix well for 2-3 minutes using an immersion blender.
3. Place in Hot Process machine and process according to machine instructions.

1. Place a frozen pop mold into the blast freezer on a pan and allow to freeze for fifteen minutes.
2. Fill a piping bag with the Banana Gelato.
3. Remove the mold from the blast freezer. Fill the mold with the gelato. Insert the frozen pop sticks into the mold, and then clean the mold with an offset spatula.
4. Return the mold to the blast freezer and allow the frozen pops to harden for at least one hour.
5. Once the frozen pops have hardened, remove them from the mold and place onto a previously frozen sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Use as desired.