Of them all – and this is tough, because New York’s selection of ice cream is second to none – The Munchies at Ample Hills Creamery could be my favourite. Imagine all your guilty pleasures (salted pretzels, Ritz crackers, potato chips and M&Ms) set against a backdrop of more pretzel-infused ice cream for the ultimate creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty indulgence.
It’s Brian Smith’s top pick, too. He’s the ice-cream mastermind behind Ample Hills, along with his wife Jackie Cuscuna, and they kindly shared the recipe from Ample Hills Creamery: Secrets and Stories from Brooklyn’s Favorite Ice Cream Shop (Stewart, Tabori & Chang). I can’t recommend this smart, fun cookbook enough, and the inventive flavours within its pages (Ooey Gooey Butter Cake runs a close second). At their beloved ice creamery, with locations all around the city, you can even opt for a pretzel or chocolate chip cone, but I like my ice cream in a classic waffle, which lets it shine.