Fried ice cream

Fried ice cream is a delightful dessert that perfectly melds a warm, crispy shell with a cold, creamy center. The dish is prepared by taking a scoop of ice cream, coating it in a breading, and then quickly deep-frying it. This process creates a crunchy outer layer while keeping the ice cream inside frozen and creamy.

The origins of fried ice cream are somewhat enigmatic. Some sources suggest it was first served at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, while others credit a Philadelphia company in 1894. Another theory posits that it was invented by Japanese tempura restaurants in the 1960s.

In the United States, fried ice cream has become closely associated with Mexican cuisine, particularly due to the national chain Chi-Chi's, which popularized a version made with tortillas and cinnamon in the 1980s. In Australia, fried ice cream is often linked with Asian cuisine, especially Australian Chinese cuisine.

The preparation of fried ice cream involves freezing the ice cream until it is extremely hard. It is sometimes coated in raw egg before being rolled in cornflakes or cookie crumbs and then fried. The key is to fry it quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting. Enthusiasts often get creative with toppings and flavors, adding ingredients like cinnamon, sugar, whipped cream, honey, and flavors such as green tea, vanilla, taro, and red bean.

Different regions have their own variations of the coating. Asian recipes might use tempura batter, while Mexican versions often incorporate cornflakes, nuts, cookie crumbs, or tortillas.

The dessert has even found its way into pop culture. The 1984 Scottish film "Comfort and Joy" features a storyline about an Italian-Scottish family rivalry over ice cream sales, which ultimately leads to a collaboration called "Frosty Hots" to sell ice cream fritters.