The arrival of Central Market's new line of super premium ice creams is a sweet harbinger of the imminent hot weather season. (In other parts of the country, this time period is called summer but here in Texas it runs beyond the traditionally prescribed scope of this interval, roughly from mid-April through September.)
The new line comprises nine decadent flavors including: Chile Pepper Pecan, Whiskey Honey, Tahitian Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Ganache, Hazelnut Latte, Saigon Cinnamon, Jamaican Jam, Coconut Ginger and Lemon Creme with Rosemary Shortbread.
I picked up a half gallon of the Jamaican Jam, which combines dark (presumably Jamaican) rum, cream, date jam, and sea salt. Although I tend to be quite fussy when it comes to booze-dessert collaborations (almost never the twain shall meet!), the rum was a very subtle part of the overall taste profile, which was largely dominated by rich dairy and fruit notes. And while the ingredients obviously engender significant richness, the ice cream is far from cloying.
