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Big Gay Ice Cream: Saucy Stories & Frozen Treats: Going All the Way with Ice Cream: A Cookbook
Welcome to Big Gay Ice Cream’s debut cookbook, a yearbook of ice cream accomplishments—all the recipes you need to create delicious frozen treats
• New to making ice cream at home? Never fear—freshman year starts off simple with store-bought toppings and shopping lists for the home ice cream parlor.
• Sophomore year kicks it up a notch with tasty sauces and crunchy toppings.
• Junior year puts your new skills to work with shakes, floats, and sundaes inspired by some of Big Gay Ice Cream’s top-selling treats, including, of course, the Salty Pimp.
• In Senior year, get serious with outrageously delicious sorbets and ice cream recipes.
Along the way, you can enjoy Bryan and Doug’s stranger-than-fiction stories, cheeky humor, vibrant photography and illustrations, and plenty of culinary and celebrity cameos (including an introduction by Headmaster Anthony Bourdain).
• New to making ice cream at home? Never fear—freshman year starts off simple with store-bought toppings and shopping lists for the home ice cream parlor.
• Sophomore year kicks it up a notch with tasty sauces and crunchy toppings.
• Junior year puts your new skills to work with shakes, floats, and sundaes inspired by some of Big Gay Ice Cream’s top-selling treats, including, of course, the Salty Pimp.
• In Senior year, get serious with outrageously delicious sorbets and ice cream recipes.
Along the way, you can enjoy Bryan and Doug’s stranger-than-fiction stories, cheeky humor, vibrant photography and illustrations, and plenty of culinary and celebrity cameos (including an introduction by Headmaster Anthony Bourdain).
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2015
27 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 7, 2017
An awesome book! It is super gay with a great message of having fun and creating a career that is fulfilling! I loved it. The recipes are awesome!
July 30, 2020
Super sweet and super gay! Definitely will be experimenting with the ice cream in my freezer soon!
February 12, 2023
Funny and useful!
Lots of great recipes and some hilarious stories in this memoir/history of one of the better know ice cream shops in America these days.
Lots of great recipes and some hilarious stories in this memoir/history of one of the better know ice cream shops in America these days.
June 19, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Spring is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s when ice cream books are released. This year brought me Big Gay Ice Cream. These are the recipes from the Big Gay Ice Cream chain of stores and trucks, primarily in NYC but there is a shop in both LA and Philadelphia. Of course I had to have this book. It’s big, it’s gay, and it’s ice cream. What’s not to love? The book is set up like a high school year book. I found that both bizarre and practical. At the start of Freshman year you’re not doing much. Just matching tasty things together. By the end of Senior year you’re making everything from the toppings to the ice cream itself. So, that’s really practical, right? I still find it bizarre, and I’m sort of left thinking, “This is why I’ll never be one of the cool kids.” My picture should be in here with the caption, “Fears Change.” But anyway, the progression of flavor pairings and recipes makes a lot of sense, and the yearbook format allowed for a lot of whimsical imagery and insets especially when the school mascots are a unicorn and Bea Arthur.
The flavors and flavor combinations in this book range from tried and true to trendy. You’ll always need to know how to make vanilla ice cream with a hard chocolate shell. I’m not so sure there will always be a call for chocolate ice cream with Old Bay seasoning, but I really want to try it. The main focus of the book isn’t the creation of the ice creams themselves but how to best pair ice creams with various toppings and specific instructions are given for the cones, sundaes, and shakes available in the stores. You too can make a Salty Pimp or a Bea Arthur at home! And, most importantly, a recipe for Awesomsauce has been written down and preserved for future generations. As has a recipe for Frankensauce which is based on kimchi. It’s cabbage-less and unfermented. That’s probably a good thing.
I wanted to be more impressed by this book than I was. The trendy flavor combinations are very much part of a trend and are not themselves innovative, for the most part. Chocolate with Old Bay seasoning is really just chocolate flavored with chili and has been around since the Aztec empire. In many ways this book is a how to/memoir for starting an ice cream company. It’s an interesting read, for sure, but if you’re looking for innovation and cutting edge flavors this book isn’t it. If you’re looking to please a crowd of people with flavors that are old stand-bys as well as more challenging yet established combinations this book is definitely for you.
Spring is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s when ice cream books are released. This year brought me Big Gay Ice Cream. These are the recipes from the Big Gay Ice Cream chain of stores and trucks, primarily in NYC but there is a shop in both LA and Philadelphia. Of course I had to have this book. It’s big, it’s gay, and it’s ice cream. What’s not to love? The book is set up like a high school year book. I found that both bizarre and practical. At the start of Freshman year you’re not doing much. Just matching tasty things together. By the end of Senior year you’re making everything from the toppings to the ice cream itself. So, that’s really practical, right? I still find it bizarre, and I’m sort of left thinking, “This is why I’ll never be one of the cool kids.” My picture should be in here with the caption, “Fears Change.” But anyway, the progression of flavor pairings and recipes makes a lot of sense, and the yearbook format allowed for a lot of whimsical imagery and insets especially when the school mascots are a unicorn and Bea Arthur.
The flavors and flavor combinations in this book range from tried and true to trendy. You’ll always need to know how to make vanilla ice cream with a hard chocolate shell. I’m not so sure there will always be a call for chocolate ice cream with Old Bay seasoning, but I really want to try it. The main focus of the book isn’t the creation of the ice creams themselves but how to best pair ice creams with various toppings and specific instructions are given for the cones, sundaes, and shakes available in the stores. You too can make a Salty Pimp or a Bea Arthur at home! And, most importantly, a recipe for Awesomsauce has been written down and preserved for future generations. As has a recipe for Frankensauce which is based on kimchi. It’s cabbage-less and unfermented. That’s probably a good thing.
I wanted to be more impressed by this book than I was. The trendy flavor combinations are very much part of a trend and are not themselves innovative, for the most part. Chocolate with Old Bay seasoning is really just chocolate flavored with chili and has been around since the Aztec empire. In many ways this book is a how to/memoir for starting an ice cream company. It’s an interesting read, for sure, but if you’re looking for innovation and cutting edge flavors this book isn’t it. If you’re looking to please a crowd of people with flavors that are old stand-bys as well as more challenging yet established combinations this book is definitely for you.
May 20, 2015
I love supporting the LGBT community. Pair that with one of my favorite foods, ice cream, and I am definitely on board. Everything about Big Gay Ice Cream drew me in. I love the cover with the glittery rainbow ice cream on the front. I also am interested in learning how to make my own ice cream. When I was offered this book for review, I jumped at the chance. Not only will it look great on my bookshelf, but it will definitely come in handy.
As I previously stated, I've always wanted to learn how to make homemade ice cream. However, I thought that sounded like an incredibly difficult and intimidating task. However, this book breaks it down in a way that is easy to understand. In the beginning of the book, it lists all the tools you need to have incredible toppings. I never would have thought to put hot sauce, or jalapeños on ice cream.
I really enjoyed how this book was set up like a yearbook. Not only did it have a lot of ice cream recipes, which were awesome, but it also had a lot of snarky commentary, and background info about the Big Gay Ice Cream food truck. It was really interesting to learn about. I hope to visit it one day if I'm ever in the area to try one of their crazy concoctions.
This book had a lot of useful info, and was interesting to read. I think I might try to make a Nuclear Winter Sundae without the coconut. It has chocolate ice cream, pickles, and sriracha, among other things. I know it kind of sounds disgusting, but I like trying new things and it has three of my favorite foods. I'm sure it will turn out delicious. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to try something a little different and isn't afraid to get creative. I also recommend it to anyone who is interested in the food truck industry.
As I previously stated, I've always wanted to learn how to make homemade ice cream. However, I thought that sounded like an incredibly difficult and intimidating task. However, this book breaks it down in a way that is easy to understand. In the beginning of the book, it lists all the tools you need to have incredible toppings. I never would have thought to put hot sauce, or jalapeños on ice cream.
I really enjoyed how this book was set up like a yearbook. Not only did it have a lot of ice cream recipes, which were awesome, but it also had a lot of snarky commentary, and background info about the Big Gay Ice Cream food truck. It was really interesting to learn about. I hope to visit it one day if I'm ever in the area to try one of their crazy concoctions.
This book had a lot of useful info, and was interesting to read. I think I might try to make a Nuclear Winter Sundae without the coconut. It has chocolate ice cream, pickles, and sriracha, among other things. I know it kind of sounds disgusting, but I like trying new things and it has three of my favorite foods. I'm sure it will turn out delicious. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to try something a little different and isn't afraid to get creative. I also recommend it to anyone who is interested in the food truck industry.
March 22, 2023
"If you've got a friend with chickens, get really screwed up, then sneak over there before dawn and steal some eggs from them. It'll be a fun adventure for you, your ice cream will rock, and your driends will have an awesome story about seeing you naked out by the chicken house."
Rather ashamed of myself for having lived so close to San Francisco for so long and never pushed myself hard enough to get out to the Big Gay Ice Cream shop (although I have been to Humphrey's in the Mission whom they mentioned collaborating with in the book, and they are fantastic). Now I'm incredibly far, far away from innovative frozen treats like these and I'lll be sure to make it my first stop when I go back home to visit. This is a really funny and quirky book about ice cream that is not your usual ice cream recipe book. It starts out with recipes for toppings, and they are pretty strange and unusual, but these guys themselves are strange and unusual and have a huge following for a reason. There's plenty of recipes for the ice cream and sorbets at the back, and some of them are fantastic and offbeat, like pumpkin or cardamom or tangerine-mezcal. The best part is, the recipes are straightforward, no-nonsense, and clear cut. Nothing is vague here, it's blunt and to the point. And it's all done with a tongue-in-cheek sensibility, which makes the whole enterprise even better, because no one takes themselves too seriously. Really loved it.
Rather ashamed of myself for having lived so close to San Francisco for so long and never pushed myself hard enough to get out to the Big Gay Ice Cream shop (although I have been to Humphrey's in the Mission whom they mentioned collaborating with in the book, and they are fantastic). Now I'm incredibly far, far away from innovative frozen treats like these and I'lll be sure to make it my first stop when I go back home to visit. This is a really funny and quirky book about ice cream that is not your usual ice cream recipe book. It starts out with recipes for toppings, and they are pretty strange and unusual, but these guys themselves are strange and unusual and have a huge following for a reason. There's plenty of recipes for the ice cream and sorbets at the back, and some of them are fantastic and offbeat, like pumpkin or cardamom or tangerine-mezcal. The best part is, the recipes are straightforward, no-nonsense, and clear cut. Nothing is vague here, it's blunt and to the point. And it's all done with a tongue-in-cheek sensibility, which makes the whole enterprise even better, because no one takes themselves too seriously. Really loved it.
May 27, 2015
Perhaps one of the gayest books I have ever read. And I mean that as a compliment. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's ridiculous illustrations, hilarious stories, and amazing ice cream recipes. At first I was doubtful that I would ever actually make any of the ice cream because, really, ain't nobody got time for that. But thankfully Bryan Petroff and Douglass Quint put together a fantastic collection of recipes, ranging from sinfully easy to mildly complex. I absolutely can't wait to try my hand at making the toasted curried coconut, awesomesauce, and extra virgin olive oil ice cream. That look and sound exquisite. The whole time I was reading this great collection, I wanted to eat massive amounts of ice cream. Granted, that should have prompted me to go to the store to buy the ingredients so I could put the recipes to use, but I was too lazy at 10pm. But soon! I can't wait! a must for any ice cream lover!!
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
May 7, 2015
I think I found the most enjoyable cookbook read that I've ever had. Big Gay Ice Cream is full of great stories and even better recipes. Honestly, I can't wait to get home from Phoenix so that the boys and I can start experimenting with some seriously delicious summer treats. After all, who doesn't like ice cream? Okay, I suppose some people don't, but they certainly don't live in my household! I love that this book takes you step by step, yearbook style through all the different components that go into making delicious treats. Seriously, every time I walk by this book, I find myself picking it up and reading more of it and perhaps trying not to drool as well. If you're an ice cream lover or just a lover of super fun books, I hope this one makes it to your shelf.
February 1, 2017
I have only the haziest of memories of my single trip to the Big Gay Ice Cream truck, having been dazed at the headiness of being in Manhattan at the time -- but I do recall getting a Bea Arthur and gulping it down in amazement.
The book is a little less daunting than the actual truck (it's easier for a shy person to engage with the quips and witticisms and snipes in word form with cartoons) and it's gorgeous and cheerful, with big gooey photographs and plenty of fun little anecdotes. I especially liked that they didn't shy away from recounting their failures and challenges, too.
I don't know that I would actually make any of the recipes, but for somebody who likes reading cookbooks anyhow, it was delightful.
The book is a little less daunting than the actual truck (it's easier for a shy person to engage with the quips and witticisms and snipes in word form with cartoons) and it's gorgeous and cheerful, with big gooey photographs and plenty of fun little anecdotes. I especially liked that they didn't shy away from recounting their failures and challenges, too.
I don't know that I would actually make any of the recipes, but for somebody who likes reading cookbooks anyhow, it was delightful.
July 7, 2015
Just got this yesterday and read it cover to cover, I have several of the reciped on the to do list especially with our current Seattle heat wave. My favorite thing about this book is that it tells the creation story of Big Gay Ice Cream, how they evolved, how they wanted to run their business, funny celebrity testimonials and so on. All of it conveys exactly the kind of experience they want you to have when visiting their store and recreates it for those of us unlucky enough to not have NYC or LA travel plans in our future.
September 17, 2015
I think I expected more out of this book than what it delivered. I have never been to the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, so I have no prior knowledge of what it is like. But I was expecting more original recipes for ice cream and sundaes, particularly ice cream. Maybe my opinion will change after I visit the shop in the East Village.
July 22, 2015
The origin story of The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, amusing anecdotes, recipes for ice creams, sorbets, unique sauces and toppings as well as recipes that pull it all together for their popular offerings all wrapped up in a cute yearbook layout.
August 22, 2016
A cute collection of stories and recipes from Big Gay Ice Cream. BGIC was the first hip truck I had ever heard of, so I enjoyed the memories. The "yearbook" layout is also a fun touch. Recipe wise, ice cream falls under things I would rather buy and enjoy, but interesting none the less!
May 5, 2015
Page after page of delicious creamy dreaminess.
October 14, 2015
Yes to ice cream.
December 2, 2015
Loved loved loved this! The yearbook format makes sense, and the recipes themselves are amazing!
May 23, 2016
I did not make any of the recipes yet, but I read the entire book and can't remember ever wanting to read a cookbook cover-to-cover before. Great stories in addition to photos of ice cream.
September 25, 2016
Big fun!
June 1, 2020
I'm ready to try curry-coconut ice cream.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews