Texas ice cream

A remarkable Texas dessert experience is readily available to all.  Many would claim that ice cream is a favorite way to end a meal or to enjoy a special treat during the day.  Here in Texas there is an added dimension to this common phenomena.

A friendly Texan smiled at me early on in our move to our newly adopted state.  In their welcome to Houston they told me that one of our favorites-to-be would be Blue Bell ice cream.  I welcomed that prophecy.

We soon found ourselves at a local BBQ eatery on a Sunday after church.  People were excited and polite as we stood in a cafeteria-like line to select our entree.  Then, we helped ourselves to two sides among several choices.

Ice tea was a common beverage of choice.  Then, we collected our tray and found a comfortable seating.  Servers came along and offered us hot-out-of-the-oven rolls.  They were delicious!

As our meal came to a close another server came and offered us dessert.
“Sure! What do you have there?” I asked with expectation.
“We have complementary Blue Bell ice cream, sir,” came the cheerful reply.

Then, my memory that is as secure as a giant sieve, recalled the prophecy by a friendly Texan who welcomed us to Houston not that long ago.  That was one of those moments in life when reality and prophecy rendezvous and give us a taste of what is delightful in life.

The sever placed a mounded bowl of vanilla ice cream in front of me.  It looked refreshing.  On top of that it was free!

A spoonful went into my mouth and I remember sensing how creamy it was.  The flavor was full and natural.  Cold shivers raced down my back.

Then, the second mouthful confirmed my first reaction.  This ice cream was delicious.  After I finished my serving I greedily stared at my wife’s bowl.

She protected her territory with a single cold glare.  I was not going to risk life or limb.  So, I contented myself with gazing.

Now, on those rare moments when we can splurge and add a delicious confection to our meal, we will gravitate toward Blue Bell Ice Cream.  Someone told us to travel to Brenham, a short hour drive, and take a tour of the creamery.  We did that tour and enjoyed the treat of free ice cream at the end of the tour.  It is a Texas favorite of ours now and forever.

photo credit: brucefong photography