Author: Denis

REVIEW: Dairy Queen Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard

Denis 15 Comments

Dairy Queen Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard Cup

What is the Dairy Queen Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard?

It’s one of the new flavors on the Dairy Queen Summer Blizzard menu, and it mixes two old favorites – Oreo cookie pieces and fudge crumble – with gummy worms, which, as far as I can tell, is a first-time-ever DQ ingredient. They create the treat that seems to be served at every 5-year-old’s birthday party.

How is it?

Dairy Queen Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard Top

The DQ website claimed that I will “delight at the fun surprise of finding gummy worms sprinkled throughout.” I was skeptical. I do indeed like Blizzards, but getting delight, fun, and surprise from one seemed a little much. Except that it wasn’t. I did not expect the gummy worms to be distributed throughout, but they were. And I expected some of them to be decapitated and mutilated by the Blizzard machine’s whirring steel thingy (that’s probably not the official name). And yet all the gummy worms were fully intact. I was a bit surprised by the size of the worms, though, as they were rather small and perhaps more accurately could be described as gummy grubs.

Dairy Queen Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard Worm

As for the taste, it was about as close to delight-fun-surprise as you can get from a Blizzard. Oreo cookies have long been one of the most popular Blizzard ingredients, so I’m assuming you know what Oreo and DQ soft serve taste like. Oreo is good, of course, but it’s the other two parts that make this one sparkle. The fudge crumble did its job to amp up the chocolatey taste of the cookies, and the gummy worms were a perfect addition. If you’ve mixed gummy bears, worms, or any gummy animal of your choice into ice cream, you know that the cold can rob the gummies of their gumminess and make them unpleasantly hard. That didn’t happen here, and the gummy worms were plentiful, chewy, and had distinctly different flavors. I can’t really tell you precisely what those distinct flavors were because gummy flavors are hard to describe, other than fruity-berryish. Can anyone really say what flavor a red gummy is compared to a green one? I think not.

Anything else you need to know?

Dairy Queen Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard Mix

This might be a record-breaking Blizzard in the calorie department. According to the DQ website, a large version of this clocks in at 1,520 calories. That tops all other Blizzards currently on the menu and is more than 50 percent higher than the large Butterfinger Blizzard at 970 calories. I guess that is to be expected when you take a standard Oreo Blizzard (1,140 calories for a large) and then add in fudge crumble and a bunch of gummy worms. But this one is worth the extra calories.

Conclusion:

I’m hoping that DQ tries more gummy items in its Blizzards, as I also liked the Sour Patch Kids Blizzard from a few years back. Just disregard my comment about this one containing gummy grubs and not gummy worms, and I bet you will like it.

Purchased Price: $4.49
Size: Small
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Small) 810 calories, 33 grams of fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 410 milligrams of sodium, 116 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 86 grams of sugar, and 15 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Pizza Ice Cream

Denis 16 Comments

Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Pizza Ice Cream Pint

Yes, you read the title correctly. This is a review of a pizza-flavored ice cream, or is it ice cream-flavored pizza? Either way, the latest product you never knew you needed but are intrigued to try (or at least read about someone else trying) is from the folks at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, who are also responsible for the previously reviewed Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Ice Cream.

Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Pizza Ice Cream Top

I imagine there was a meeting of Van Leeuwen decision-makers where someone threw out the idea of pizza ice cream, and it seems that at least some in the meeting thought it wasn’t a terrible idea (perhaps the same ones who gave the thumbs up for mac and cheese ice cream). Now, if Van Leeuwen was run by a bunch of first graders, then I could understand this flavor getting the green light, along with chicken nugget ice cream. Even though I did not do any research to back this up, I’m guessing Van Leeuwen is not run by first graders, although the company’s website refers to their products as “pints” when they only contain 14 (not 16) ounces, so I guess they do struggle with numbers a little.

So, is this a terrible idea?

Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Pizza Ice Cream Base

Actually, no. I sort of liked it, even though it only sort of tastes like pizza. This does contain a good number of pizza-ish ingredients — tomatoes, unbleached flour, mozzarella cheese powder, and unnamed spices — but they come through with different levels of flavor. The base ice cream (the cheese) is wonderfully creamy; I suppose because it’s French ice cream, which the container explains contains more egg yolks than non-French ice cream. There’s a hint of mozzarella taste but much more of a cheesecake flavor, thanks to the decidedly non-pizza ingredient of cream cheese.

Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Pizza Ice Cream Tomato Jam

The sauce part was a pleasant surprise. Despite how mixing tomatoes and ice cream might make you cringe, it was more than palatable. That’s probably because it’s a tomato jam, according to Van Leeuwen, and, according to me, it pairs nicely with the cheesy ice cream base. It has enough tomato flavor so you know what it is, but its mild sweetness eliminates the grossness factor.

The crust, made of basil cookies, is the only part that didn’t win me over. There was not much there as far as texture or taste, but it didn’t do anything to the detriment of the ice cream as a whole. It’s like having a co-worker who rarely does any work but doesn’t screw things up either.

Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Pizza Ice Cream Pizza Box

As has been said in other reviews of Frankenstein-inspired freaks of food folly, this product is not a great substitute for either of the items it claims to be. If you are craving pizza, then even that cold pizza in the fridge that you question if it’s still OK is to eat is probably better. And if you have a hankering for ice cream, then just about any “regular” flavor will hit the spot better than this. But you only live once, and do you really want to be sitting in a retirement home playing bingo and wondering what pizza ice cream tastes like? I certainly do not, so I’m glad I tried this.

Purchased Price: $4.98
Size: 14 fl. oz.
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2/3 cup) 310 calories, 16 grams of fat, 9 grams of saturated fat, 110 milligrams of cholesterol, 230 milligrams of sodium, 38 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 33 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Blue Bell Peachy Peach Ice Cream

Denis 12 Comments

Blue Bell Peachy Peach Ice Cream Pint

What is Blue Bell Peachy Peach Ice Cream?

It’s not the most creatively named ice cream, but it certainly has an accurate moniker. This newest flavor from Texas-based Blue Bell is described as “creamy peach ice cream with chunks of sweetened peaches.”

How is it?

Blue Bell Peachy Peach Ice Cream Top

Well, it’s peachy, as advertised, both literally and figuratively. There are no bells and whistles with this ice cream — those wouldn’t taste very good anyway — but it delivers on its promise. It’s a tasty peach ice cream base, and the peach chunks give it a pleasant boost and some extra texture. I generally find Blue Bell ice creams to be creamier than the average store brand. However, this one seemed to be a bit lacking in the creaminess department. Even so, that’s about the only mark I have against this. The ice cream flavor is pleasant with the perfect amount of peachiness while not being overpowering.

Blue Bell Peachy Peach Ice Cream Piece

The peach chunks, which are quite large, dial up the peach flavor and the sweetness a few notches, but again, not to the extreme. I wouldn’t say you get a fresh peach flavor from the chunks but rather more of a candied peach taste. It’s hard for a somewhat basic ice cream product to be spectacular, and this one isn’t, but I did like it better than the average single-flavor ice cream.

Anything else you need to know?

You don’t need to know this in any way whatsoever, but apparently, the world record for the largest peach is 1 pound 12 ounces, and not surprisingly, it was grown in Georgia. I have to say I’m not that impressed. I don’t know what weight would sufficiently impress me — maybe if it was as big as my head — but I thought the record peach would be bigger for some reason. See, you didn’t need to know any of this, but since it’s a section of the review, I feel compelled to fill this space.

Conclusion:

Blue Bell Peachy Peach Ice Cream Spoon

For a straightforward ice cream flavor like this, your level of enjoyment will be closely tied to your affinity for peaches. For me, peaches land about in the middle of the fruit spectrum. So I’ll happily finish this pint but probably won’t buy another one. If you are a peach fanatic, this might turn into one of your favorite ice creams.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: One Pint
Purchased at: H-E-B
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (2/3 cup) 210 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 55 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of dietary fiber, 26 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard

Denis 2 Comments

Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard Cup

What is the Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard?

It’s the March Blizzard of the Month with brownie pieces, choco chunks, and mint flavor combined with Dairy Queen vanilla soft serve. It’s not technically new, as DQ had the more accurately named Choco Mint Brownie Blizzard with the same ingredients back in 2012. But I don’t remember what I had for breakfast today, or even what day it is, so I’m counting this as new since there’s no chance of me remembering if I’ve had it before.

How is it?

Classic, simple, and really good. This Blizzard is not extreme or outrageous like some past combinations, and DQ even made the name more basic than the last time it was offered. Even though it includes three common Blizzard elements, they all work together perfectly.

Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard Brownie

The brownie pieces are amazing creations that can maintain a perfect chewy texture even while bathing in ice cream. I assume one of the words I cannot pronounce in the list of ingredients on the DQ website is responsible for that. Then the choco chunks add some crunch to go with the soft brownies, and the mint flavor is complementary instead of overpowering like in some mint ice cream treats. Mint is not even one of my favorite flavors, but I still enjoyed this Blizzard and will miss it when it’s gone.

Anything else you need to know?

Dairy Queen Mint Brownie Blizzard Closeup

I originally thought it would be easy to order this Blizzard any time of year because DQ always has mint flavoring, brownies, and choco chunks available. It turns out I was wrong. According to the never-wrong internet, DQ stopped making mint flavoring available year-round in 2015, so now they only have it sporadically when there’s a Blizzard containing it. It makes me wonder if somewhere there’s a big warehouse full of DQ mint flavor just waiting for the chance to be called into action. Clearly, I have too much time on my hands to sit and wonder about such things.

Conclusion:

I’m not going to tell you to run to DQ to get this Blizzard. Running is hard, and I don’t want you to get tired. But this one is worth picking up, or even overpaying a delivery service to bring it to you.

Purchased Price: $4.99
Size: Medium
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (Medium) 910 calories, 35 grams of fat, 22 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 65 milligrams of cholesterol, 380 milligrams of sodium, 137 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 110 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Papa John’s NY Style Pizza

Denis 13 Comments

Papa John s NY Style Crust Pizza Whole

Papa John’s has been busy lately with a bunch of new offerings, including the Triple Bacon, Shaq-a-Roni, and Epic Stuffed Crust pizzas, all of which earned generally positive reviews from my esteemed colleagues of culinary critique. Now comes the NY Style Pizza, which launched nationwide on December 27 and will be available through March 13, 2022.

I’m sure this will shock you to your core, but no, Papa John’s did not successfully replicate true New York-style pizza. Yes, these are foldable and (somewhat) oversized as Papa John’s advertises, and I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt that it is also hand-stretched as the website claims, even though I was not there to witness that. But if you tried serving this at a pizzeria in New York City, then a brouhaha, fracas and/or kerfuffle would probably ensue. Perhaps even all three.

Usually, my main qualification to do a review on this site is simply that I have a functioning mouth, but in this case, I do bring some pizza credentials. I grew up in New York (actually New Jersey, but we decided long ago as a state that it’s better to just say New York), so I’ve had my share of authentic New York pizza. And now, as a resident of Texas, I’m used to be being both disappointed and amused when I try New York pizza around here. Truthfully, some local joints come reasonably close, and maybe even closer than I give them credit, but I do deduct authenticity points when someone says, “Here’s y’alls pizza.”

Papa John s NY Style Crust Pizza Slice

With that said, this isn’t bad — it is still pizza after all — and it’s a bit better than I thought it would be, especially considering it’s made using the standard Papa John’s crust, sauce, and cheese. To me, the two things that define New York pizza are the crust being both chewy and crispy with a few of those big air bubbles and the cheese having some stretch and snap along with an unhealthy amount of grease/oil.

Papa John’s fared well on the first requirement, and I think they probably did as well as they could using their regular crust, which I’ve always found to be a little too thick and chewy. This pizza fixed both of those issues, and it comes close to the overall thinness of New York pizza. The outer crust doesn’t quite hit the mark as far as the right balance of crisp and chewy, but it did contain a few modest-size air bubbles and faintly reminded me of New York crust.

Papa John s NY Style Crust Pizza Crust

The shortcoming here is the standard Papa John’s cheese, which has very little of the stretchiness, snap, or general oiliness you might get with a New York pizza. The toppings (I went with pepperoni) were plentiful, so bonus points for that, and even though the slices were a little smaller than most New York pizza I’ve had, they did fold quite well.

Papa John s NY Style Crust Pizza Fold

I didn’t expect to get anything close to real New York-style pizza when I ordered this — and I didn’t — but if you temper your expectations based on what a big chain can deliver using its standard ingredients, and you don’t have many other options in your area, then this is a serviceable pie.

Purchased Price: $13 with one topping
Size: Extra-large (16”)
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: Detailed nutritional information not available on the Papa John’s website, but it does say each cheese slice has 310 calories.