Courtesy of Pheasant Oak Vineyard Confections
Nebraska-based Pheasant Oak Vineyard Confections (402.545.2078, www.pheasantoak.com) has introduced a cool way to enhance your dessert menu with their Vineyard Ice Cream. The ice cream is made with red and white wines from regional vineyards throughout the United States, and originated in the kitchen of founders Kathy and Gary Samuelson. They first made wine jellies and syrups. Surprisingly, this product is not slushy in texture, but has a full-flavored, creamy consistency, reminiscent of old-fashioned ice cream. Flavors include Le Chocolate Vin Rouge, Vin Blanc, and Carmel Apple with Walnuts (made from apple wine). For special events, the company rents out what they call a wine press. This press can be operated by hand or automatically and is conveniently sanitary. With the insertion of a "puck" (a prepackaged tasty mixture), the press churns ice cream into a cone or cup. The ice cream is sold in pints, three-gallon tubs, or in a special event package. Pricing for the special event package is negotiated based on event attendance.
