The Cold & Beautiful

Call me a Purist. After visiting Cornell University last weekend for my nephew’s last football game, we headed over to his fav spot. Purity Ice Cream. Now, I like ice cream, but I have to admit, I’ve never tasted anything quite like this utterly delish delight! In 1936, Leo Guentert, a Cornell University graduate, and his wife Sylvia, starting making ice cream crafted with all natural ingredients, using the Finger Lakes Region’s locally produced dairy.  I was so taken with the taste and consistency of the ice cream, once I was back  home, I picked up the phone, called Purity and spoke to the owner Heather Lane. “ Our ice cream is made with real vanilla and the best ingredients. The peanut butter is real, not just a flavor,” she states with pride. Lane and her husband, Bruce, still use the same secret recipe that’s star to Purity’s fame. “Leo had a great recipe and we still use it. We’ve updated some of the flavors, but nothing else has changed.”

  Now, I know you can’t all get to Ithaca, New York, but you can have the ice cream shipped on dry ice anywhere you’d like. I’m having 4-quarts shipped to L.A. for Thanksgiving. Pumpkin Praline, Eggnog, (a seasonal flavor) Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Raspberry Truffle.

 You might not make it in time for Thanksgiving, but we have plenty more Holidays just around the corner. Shipping can be steep, but it’s cheaper than a ticket to Ithaca.  ($ 45 for 4 quarts plus shipping. www. Purityiceceam.com. Purity Ice Cream Co. 697-272-1545. 700 Cascadilla St. Ithaca, New York. 14850.)