Center of Gravity

Here’s why I like it so much, and why you will too

This recipe is a demonstration of contrast.

Flavor: The vanilla ice cream provides a neutral sweet canvas. Dates bring a bright punch of fruit flavor with their own complexity, while the charred bits add a touch of bitterness. Then, to balance it all, salt. The light, sharp tang brings shape to the flavor and pushes the sweetness to its limit. This ragtag group of pantry staples creates an unprecedented explosion of flavor with every bite.

Texture: Ice cream acts as a smooth and soft base. The dates add chew and crunch, ensuring each bite has substance. At the start you have more structure, by the end it coalesces. Sometimes I like to make a game of balancing all the elements with each bite. Other times I’ll save a bunch of the dates for the end, then drink the soupy remains like the goblin that I am .

This recipe feels like a discovery. It’s truly more than the sum of its parts, each element exponentially elevating the others. The nuance is far beyond any ice cream you’d pull off the shelf at the grocery. The best part? It takes just 2 minutes! It hits the perfect combination between convenience and homemade authenticity. Even when using the most basic name brand version of each ingredient, this combination feels luxurious. Eat this and tell me you don’t feel like a Victorian noble enjoying the fruits of international trade! I pretend I’m having Vanilla from Madagascar, dates from the east indies, olive oil from Greece, salt from Africa. We are men of culture and class.

Why this recipe is important to me

You’ve probably heard of some version of this recipe. Apparently, olive oil on vanilla ice cream has become a viral sensation. I first heard of this trend from NYT Cooking, though, not TikTok (or anywhere else for that matter). I’ll admit, I get a little FOMO when trends like this pass me by. Had I tried it sooner, I could’ve enjoyed this masterpiece in the summer months! Even so, I’d rather get my recommendations from sources I trust, even if it means showing up late to the party.

My ongoing goal is to build a network of reliable recommendations: A mix of media outlets, friends, and yes, even influencers who have taste that I can trust. The key is consistency. Give this recipe a try, and if you hate it, then you can take note: I don’t like Avi’s taste in desserts. That’s just as valuable as finding someone whose taste you do agree with. For example, I’ve historically loved Sohla El Waylly’s NYT recipes. I probably wouldn’t have tried this so eagerly if I hadn’t seen her name on it. Knowing your source saves you time and helps you to develop your own taste as well. In a world where we’re surrounded by infinite options, the most powerful things we can do is choose.

Enjoy!