Dr Pepper Ice Cream

Recently Mr. Devilish and I went on a little trip to Big D. (Dallas that is.) He had business meetings at the Gaylord Texan Resort, which is entertainment in itself.  You can stay there and feel like you've visited the entire Lone Star State.  We're never ones to just stay around the hotel, (though I did spend some time at that sweet pool...) So we did a little shopping and sight-seeing too.  We went to IKEA (can you believe I've never been there???) The only thing I found I really wanted was a bag of gummy Swedish Horses (Dalas) but I didn't want to stand in line for that one small purchase.  Much to his chagrin we also hit Nebraska Furniture Mart (which is so huge is has it's own street (Nebraska Furniture Mart Drive) and if you don't know the DFW area, it could easily be mistaken for the airport it's sooooo big.  To give you an idea of the size there was a sign that said, "We have enough beds to sleep 9,452 kindergartners."  Okay no thanks.  I've been on enough field trips with Little Devil, I don't need to spend a hot Texas day where 9,452 kindergartners might be sleeping.  We finished off at the Container Store.  (I could hardly contain myself.)  And dinner at our favorite Dallas restaurant, the hidden gem: The Celebration.  We ate there on our honeymoon and it's a can't miss for us every time we are in town.  Open since 1971, Celebration restaurant features locally-sourced home style meals.  So many wonderful things on the menu, and many gluten-free with the exception of my favorite dessert.  (Banana Pudding.) I got out my phone and Googled, "ice cream near me" and found Howdy Homemade.  Amazing ice cream with an even more amazing story.  Howdy Homemade employs folks with special needs, making the whole experience phenomenal.  With flavors like Hot Tamales (candy), Big Red (Soda Pop) and Cookie Monster, (yes it was blue and yes it had eyes!!!) I couldn't even begin to choose.  I wound up selecting the Dr Pepper Ice Cream.  It was the most wonderful, rich creamy ice cream with a definite Dr Pepper flavor, accented with chocolate chips.  We talked about that ice cream the entire trip.  And let me tell you in an area like Dallas and Grapevine, Texas there is lots to eat and do and talk about.  (i.e. Grapevine Mills Mall and discount designer sunglasses...) We've been reminiscing about that ice cream all summer, determined to re-create it.  This version doesn't even begin to sniff Howdy Homemade or the precious mission behind their company, but it is a darned good homage to the original.  So until my next trip south to the Lone Star State, I'll be whipping this up in my own ice cream freezer ( and I might just be wearing those new sunglasses and some cowboy boots while I do it!)

This ice cream is bigger and better than Texas!

Cool, creamy and full of Dr Pepper flavor...

Accented with mini chocolate chips...

The perfect treat on a hot summer day.

The Dr Pepper Ice Cream from Howdy Homemade.
My version is delish, but their version is
out of this world!

My purchase from The Container Store.
Containers to contain my cupcake containers.
I was so excited I could hardly contain myself.

My version of Dr Pepper Ice Cream.
If you can't make it to the DFW area
this will definitely satisfy!

Dr Pepper Ice Cream

4 cups cold Dr Pepper
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Combine Dr Pepper, condensed milk and cream.  Pour into prepared ice cream freezer and freeze according to manufacturer's directions.  When ice cream is partially set, add mini chocolate chips an continue until ice cream is finished.  Place in freezer after finished so ice cream can harden up.

Prep Time:  Approximately 20 minutes     Needs to Chill.