Here’s the scoop on the history of serving ice cream in America: It’s surprisingly fascinating, odd, clever, and even hilarious. It’s a story of ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness—just like the American story—but with sprinkles on top. This is the tale of the invention, perfection, and popularization of a very small piece of technology that has played a big role in our national life: the ice cream scoop.
From the first patented scoops from 1876, through the “parachute” model, the “heart” scoop, and the mystifying “cold dog,” collector Don Kaufman knows them all. He serves up a lively and entertaining history of this humble tool, and along the way offers a look at the tastes and trends that have kept us screaming for ice cream for generations.
An ice cream social follows, of course!
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Other Connections:
Camphor buffalo-milk ice cream is one the frozen concoctions that emperors of the Tang dynasty may have enjoyed. Get more fascinating facts about the origins of everybody’s favorite dessert from the History Kitchen, and find several recipes for ice creams with considerably more appeal to modern tastes.
