5 Ways to Enjoy Ice Cream on Thanksgiving

When it comes to serving ice cream at the holidays, à la mode isn’t the only answer.

Pass the Cranberries!

Cranberry jelly or whole cranberry sauce? Here’s a new way to enjoy this traditional Thanksgiving favorite …

In a large mixing bowl, place one quarter-cup scoop of Classic Vanilla Ice Cream for each guest you will be serving. Add one tablespoon of canned cranberry sauce (whole berry works best here) for every serving of ice cream. Blend well with a rubber spatula and return to the freezer. When it’s time to eat, serve this creamy cranberry delight in a chilled sundae cup alongside each guest’s dinner plate.

Looking for something homemade? Pair this recipe for Apple Orange Cranberry Sauce with our Exquisite Vanilla Ice Cream, and follow the above instructions.

Turn that Oven Off: Ice Cream Pumpkin Pie

With that green bean casserole, grandma’s dressing and those brown-and-serve rolls, you don’t need the oven tied up any longer than it has to be. So cut a deliciously creamy corner and prepare a Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie instead of baking.

Can’t imagine a Thanksgiving without a traditional pumpkin pie? Check out our guide to pairing various types of pumpkin pies with the best ice cream for each.

Lemon Sorbet, of ‘course’

Treat your Thanksgiving guests to a scoop of sophistication by serving small servings of Lemon Sorbet before carving up that turkey for the main course. In very formal dining traditions, dinners are served in courses, rather than family or buffet styles, with an “amuse” or palate cleanser — usually sorbet — served before the main course. Where did this tradition come from? Many argue it has French origins, but using citrus or other bold flavors to help guests shift from starters and salads to the main entree is found in cuisines around the world.

Crunchy and Creamy Pear or Apple Parfaits

This dessert is easy to assemble and make ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe for Hot Baked Cinnamon Apples or Spiced Baked Pears and let cool.

Place parfait cups or small bowls on a tray or cookie sheet, and fill each with alternating layers of baked fruit, crumbled store-bought or home baked shortbread cookies and scoops of Cinnamon Ice Cream. Chill in the freezer until it’s time to treat your guests to the flavors of fall.

Keep Things Light

The turkey isn’t the only star of your Thanksgiving meal. Rich side dishes made with bacon, cheese and other ingredients might just steal the spotlight. With such a heavy meal, you might opt to offer lighter alternatives for dessert.

Smooth Churned Light Ice Cream comes in a variety of fun flavors — but with 1/2 the fat and 30% fewer calories than regular ice cream. Try Espresso Chip for a cooler, creamier take on after-dinner coffee. Banana Cream Pie and Ray’s Root Beer Float are dreamy, de-light-ful homages to popular desserts. We even have a better-for-you version of Moose Tracks®!

And if you have any guests who are watching their sugar intake, try one of our six varieties of Slender® No Sugar Added Reduced Fat Ice Cream. It’s sweetened with Splenda® Brand Sweetener, so everyone can enjoy a treat this Thanksgiving!

We’re Thankful for You!

All of us at Pierre’s Ice Cream are grateful for your continued support, and we wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving — with a cherry on top!

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