Sunday, August 1, 2010

Dipping dots - I get it now!


Have you ever stopped at the dipping dots stand at some event, theme park or zoo that you have been to. I once tried dipping dots many years ago (like college days - many years ago). I was definitely not impressed. As you may know, I received a cup full of BB sized balls of ice cream. Anxious to try this new novelty (at the time, it was pretty new), I spooned them into my mouth. They were cold and they were sweet, but not creamy and not anything I thought I might try again. I was never tempted to get them again.

However, I heard someone say the other day, that they were going somewhere and wherever it was, they had the best dipping dots, ever. Now personally, I thought they were all the same, but at any rate, it got me thinking about my dipping dots experience. I realized that the dipping dots are everywhere and there must be something I was missing. The demand was there, so there were people buying and eating and liking this product.

Fast forward to yesterday when Leon and I went to the zoo to see the new polar bear exhibition. Side note - It was very cool and I can't wait to go back again. It was very busy, though, so maybe again in the fall. While we were there, however, we passed a dipping dots stand. With the thought of that comment in my mind, I decided to try it again, so I stepped up and ordered a small "birthday cake" flavored dipping dots cup.

I spooned the little dots into my mouth and really worked on savoring the taste, trying to figure out what the heck the draw was. I held them in my mouth and the longer they were there, the more flavor there was. It just sneaks up on you!!!! You have to be patient and not just scarf them down, or you lose the experience and more importantly, the flavor. I made them last as long as possible, so that they had a chance to soften and the flavor to come out.

The end result was that they aren't half bad. I still prefer real ice cream, but I get the attraction now. The other negative was that they were a bit pricey. My little 1/2 cup serving was $3.95, although I did make it last longer. However, an ice cream cone lasts me longer for the money. So ultimately, I am not a dipping dots lover, but I appreciate now the novelty and fun for others. They have several flavors, which is great too.

So if, like me, you don't think you like them, it might be worth another try - but be patient and take the time to let the flavor unfreeze and come out.