DIY: Ice Cream Flurries

CEBU, Philippines - A flurry is simple - and it isn't something you can only get at the ice cream shop. You start off with ice cream, usually a basic flavour, then you stir or mix or blend all kinds of things into it. It's not a float; no liquid is added. It's like an ice cream sundae, but with the toppings blended in instead of piled on top.

Most ice cream shops start with soft serve because it mixes so easily. Since most of us don't have soft serve machines in our kitchens (If only!!!), we suggest using a machine you probably do have - a microwave.

Start with a pint of ice cream. Remove the lid and microwave it for about 10 seconds. Test it with a spoon. The ice cream should still be frozen, but should give when pressed with the back of the spoon. If it's not ready, continue microwaving in 5-second bursts, testing in between.

Now you're ready to mix. You can keep it simple and just use a spoon to mix the ice cream and toppings in a bowl. But where's the fun in that? Ice cream shops often use a stick blender, another item you may not have. So instead, toss everything into the food processor and pulse a few times.

As for what to use to flavor your flurries? Anything goes. To help you get started, we've come up with a bunch of ideas for delicious, chilly flurries:

SNOWSTORM: vanilla ice cream, Peppermint Pattie candies, crushed peppermint sticks, a few drops of mint extract

COCOA BEACH: chocolate ice cream, toasted macadamia nuts, toasted coconut, hot fudge sauce

SATISFACTION: sweet cream ice cream, crushed salted peanuts, caramel sauce, chopped Snickers candy

BERRY BASKET: black raspberry ice cream, chopped fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

CONCESSION STAND: vanilla ice cream, chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed pretzels, gummy bears, M&M's, caramel sauce, malted milk balls

SILVER SCREEN: vanilla ice cream, caramel popcorn, chocolate-covered peanuts

CAMPFIRE: vanilla ice cream, crushed chocolate covered graham crackers, chopped smoked almonds, chopped marshmallows, hot fudge sauce

ULTIMATE PEANUT: chocolate ice cream, peanut butter sauce, chopped Butterfinger candy bar, chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, salted peanuts, peanut butter M&M's

DARK HORSE CHERRY: chocolate ice cream, chopped maraschino cherries, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, finely chopped espresso chocolate

BANSHEE: coffee ice cream, bananas, toasted almonds, cinnamon, crushed toffee (AP)

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The Five-Course Meal Gelato.  Gelatissimo rolls out its newest flavors that represent a typical Italian five-course meal feast. Start with the antipasto of Ricotta, Pear & Walnut - cheeses-with-jams-and-honey is an signature Italian appetizer medley; then the Saffron Risotto as primo piatto (entrée)- saffron infused in hot milk;  the classic Italian dessert of Pannacotta & Wild Berries as the dolce; Risterreto (a short espresso) Caffe for that coffee craving; and the digestivo (after dinner liqueur) of Sambuca.  These new flavors are included in the "An Italian Feast" line-up of Gelatissimo in line with its "Year of Italy" campaign. Gelatissimo take home packs in 500mL and 1L sizes are available for those who wish to bring home the gelato goodness and share with the rest of the family. (The ice cream starts to melt after 45 minutes to one hour after packing.) Gelatissimo is located at the ground floor of Ayala Center Cebu The Terraces and SM City Cebu's The North Wing. – Jen F. Vega