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JENI'S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS Lemon Frozen Yogurt
SPEND EVEN A MINUTE PERUSING THE FLAVORS on Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams' website and you will find yourself salivating. Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Riesling Poached Pear—the list goes on. Lemon Frozen Yogurt, this year's Outstanding Dessert winner, is Jeni's personal favorite—simple, real and ultra-creamy. Founded in 2002 by Jeni Britton Bauer in Columbus, Ohio, Jeni's builds ice cream from the ground up, starting with milk and cream from grass-grazed cows from Snowville Creamery in Ohio. "We've been able to work with better suppliers over the years," Bauer says. Jeni's Lemon Frozen Yogurt consists of lemon zest and lemon juice, complemented by naturally tangy and biodynamic yogurt sourced from Seven Stars Farm in Pennsylvania. Available in specialty food stores across the country, Jeni's also has a handful of ice cream shops in Ohio and Tennessee. Along with its well-designed website, Jeni's connects with consumers by sharing stories, news and photos through social media sites, such as Instagram and Tumblr. "I consider myself a creative director, and that doesn't just include creating ice cream," explains Bauer, whose art background and keen eye for design engages consumers to connect with the company. "When you eat something without knowing anything about it, you just eat it and it's over. We do our best to make sure our consumers have a longer and more mindful experience with our products." Suggested retail price: $9.99–$10.99/pint. Contact: Ryan Morgan, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams; 614.488.3224; ryan@ jenisicecreams.com; jenisicecreams.com.—A.M.
FINALISTS
➊ GELATERIA NAIA Bar Gelato–Pistachio Contact: Trevor Morris mail@gelaterianaia.com 510.724.2479 bargelato.com; gelaterianaia.com
➋ HIGH ROAD CRAFT ICE CREAM, INC.
Bourbon Burnt Sugar Contact: Nicki Schroeder nicki@highroadcraft.com 678.701.7623 highroadcraft.com
➌ SPOONABLE LLC Spoonable Sesame Caramel Sauce Contact: Michelle Lewis mnlewis@spoonablellc.com 718.974.0653 spoonablellc.com
SEPTEMBER 2012 S25
DESSERT OR DESSERT TOPPING