The Art and Science of Crafting Vegan Chocolate-Chunk Ice Cream: A Journey Inside OddFellows' Meticulous Process

Introduction

In the bustling heart of the Bronx, New York, OddFellows churns out a staggering 41,000 gallons of ice cream annually, each batch meticulously crafted to delight the palates of its patrons. Among the multitude of flavors that tantalize taste buds, the plant-based chocolate-chunk ice cream stands out as a true testament to the art and science of ice cream creation. With a recipe that took over a year to develop and a production process four times longer than traditional dairy ice cream, OddFellows has set a new standard in plant-based frozen desserts. In this article, we'll take a fascinating journey behind the scenes to witness the creation of this delectable delight.

The Challenging World of Plant-Based Ice Cream

Plant-based ice cream presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to the rich, velvety texture and delectable flavor that ice cream enthusiasts cherish. OddFellows has successfully tackled these challenges, ensuring that their vegan chocolate-chunk ice cream not only meets the standards set by dairy-based counterparts but also surpasses expectations.

Meet the Masters: Abby Lavin and Manny Pichardo

At the helm of this extraordinary production process are Abby Lavin and Manny Pichardo, two individuals with a wealth of experience in ice cream creation. Manny's dedication to his craft extends over decades, making him a cornerstone of OddFellows' dessert-making legacy. According to Abby, "Manny's been doing this for longer than I've been born, I think. And there's no one else besides Manny who could do this."

Creating the Base

The journey begins by crafting the ice cream's base, which consists of 120 pounds of dark chocolate chips and 100 pounds of cashew butter. The process involves expertly melting the dark chocolate chips, a meticulous task that takes an hour of constant stirring until the chocolate transforms into a liquidy mix, ready for the next step.

The Magic of the Mixture

A critical component of creating the base is developing a mixture of stabilizers and salt, a combination that enables the ice cream to maintain its structure and resist ice crystal formation when frozen. Too much or too little stabilizer can spell disaster, so achieving the perfect balance is essential.

The Sweet Science of Flavor

The sweetness of the vegan chocolate-chunk ice cream is due to 50 pounds of invert sugar, a critical element that provides the perfect softness, without making it overwhelmingly sweet. This unique blend of ingredients ensures that the ice cream offers a delightful balance of flavors and texture.

Cashew Creaminess

OddFellows opts for cashew butter as the base of their vegan ice cream due to its inherent creaminess and neutral flavor, which pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Cashews provide the necessary fat content that contributes to the ice cream's mouthfeel, making it rich and velvety.

The Role of Air in Ice Cream

OddFellows reveals that air is one of the most crucial but often overlooked components in the ice cream-making process, contributing to volume and texture. Maintaining the right balance of air is an essential aspect of achieving the desired consistency.

The Churning Process

As the mixture is carefully created, it's transferred to a holding container, ensuring that it doesn't congeal. It's then readied for freezing and churning, further refining its texture.

A Chocolaty Twist

To enhance the chocolate experience, the ice cream mix is blended with real chocolate chips. During this step, employees meticulously add chocolate chips by hand to the first few cartons. Simultaneously, a fruit feeder is adjusted to ensure a steady infusion of chocolate chips throughout the batch.

Adding Air and Volume

The infusion of air adds about 20% to the total volume of the ice cream, contributing to its light and creamy texture. This crucial step in the process is often underestimated but plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect ice cream.

The Final Freezing

Each carton is meticulously weighed before being wheeled into a blast freezer, where it hardens and waits to be delivered to eager customers.

OddFellows: A Hub of Unique Flavors

Situated at Domino Park in Williamsburg, OddFellows offers an array of more than 20 distinct ice cream flavors, from wasabi chocolate chip to mango sticky rice. Their non-traditional yet delightful concoctions cater to adventurous customers eager to savor the unusual.

The Verdict

Finally, it's time to savor the fruits of OddFellows' labor. The vegan chocolate-chunk ice cream is not only surprisingly delicious but also a testament to the plant-based culinary journey. It retains the creaminess and richness characteristic of traditional ice cream, with a subtle lightness that sets it apart. The delicate balance of flavors and textures leaves customers longing for more.

In conclusion, OddFellows' commitment to plant-based ice cream challenges the norms and redefines the possibilities of what can be achieved. With an unwavering dedication to quality and taste, they've created a vegan chocolate-chunk ice cream that stands out as a delectable triumph of culinary artistry.

Come and explore OddFellows to indulge in their innovative flavors and experience a new era of plant-based ice cream. It's an adventure your taste buds won't want to miss.