Ice cream sandwiches are one of America’s most time-honored favorite desserts. But did you know they have their own holiday? August 2 marks National Ice Cream Sandwich day and we’re celebrating by having one, sharing a little history and offering some cool recipes for the frozen treat.
- A time-honored tradition
The first ice cream sandwich was sold for a penny in 1900 from a pushcart on the streets of New York City. Although the identity of the original vendor remains unclear the frozen treat’s popularity took off! Because they were sold on the streets, ice cream sandwiches were originally a cheap treat for the working class until Wall Street workers discovered them. Eventually the treat made it’s way to some high-end restaurants.
Food writer Jeri Quinzio told The Boston Globe that the original name for the ice cream sandwiches were called ‘hokey pokeys.’
The more modern form of the ice cream sandwich, vanilla ice cream between two chocolate wafers, was invented by Jerry Newberg in 1945. He sold his creation for a nickel each at Forbes Field in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, which at the time was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.
Today, Hood food brands reports they sell about 100,000 ice cream sandwiches per week in the summer. And through the year, two sandwiches are made every second in their Connecticut factory.
- Cool recipes links
27 Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes by Country Living
Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes by Food Network
Classic Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes by Simply Recipes