Every month, one of Portland’s most renowned ice cream shops, Salt and Straw, releases a series of five limited edition flavors. May is the “Cookbook Series” which pulls flavors from the new Salt and Straw cookbook, “America’s Most Iconic Ice Creams Cookbook” that came out April 29 and was written by Salt and Straw’s co-founder, Tyler Malek.
Salt and Straw is known for its unique and creative flavors, and these are definitely that—offering new takes on classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and coffee.
Vanilla Custard with Butterscotch Swirls
When I first saw this flavor, I expected something similar to their flavor “Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons,” which is also a vanilla ice cream but with caramel instead of butterscotch. However, these flavors were surprisingly different. Salt and Straw uses their house-made butterscotch (made with actual scotch whiskey) in order to “amplify vanilla’s romantic, smoky profile.” Vanilla Custard is great at first, but it leaves an odd and bitter after-taste. This is due to what I assume was the scotch whiskey in the butterscotch and it was a bit too strong for my liking.
Chocolate Chili Crisp Peanut Butter Cups
The Chocolate Chili Crisp Peanut Butter Cups had to be my favorite. I was a little hesitant about the chili crisps because I’m typically not a fan of spice in my desserts—but it was the perfect addition. This was a delicious take on the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter but with just a touch of spice from the chili crisp that set it apart.
Strawberry Tres Leches
Strawberry Tres Leches was a sweet, rich, fresh strawberry ice cream with strawberry jam mixed in. While there’s supposed to be “cake swirls” of actual tres leches, there wasn’t much tres leches flavor other than an overall vanilla creaminess. If you have a big sweet tooth then you will likely enjoy this—the jam is very apparent in this ice cream’s flavor, sweetness and texture.
Matcha Matcha Man
I was the most excited for this flavor as an avid matcha-lover but was slightly disappointed. Matcha is a difficult flavor for many chains to master, and Salt and Straw proved itself to be no different. It was still enjoyable, but tasted as if it was made with poor quality matcha, not the “ceremonial-grade” they claim to use.
Coffee Chamomile Sherbert
I also had high hopes for the Coffee Chamomile Sherbert. It wasn’t bad by any means—it was light, refreshing and not too sweet. However, the coffee strongly overpowered the chamomile and I think coffee is a flavor that does better when paired with creamier things—not a sherbert. I think the coconut cream and oat milk also threw off the flavors a bit. While I wasn’t a fan, I think this flavor was great in concept, and many would enjoy it.
If you are looking to switch up your usual ice cream order, Salt and Straw’s May flavors are worth a shot. They are refreshing, unique and well-suited for spring.
