Ice cream

Churned, frozen dairy dessert — the flavor a recipe calls for (vanilla, strawberry, coffee) usually just needs to be soft enough to scoop or fold in without melting the rest of the dish.

Ice cream

Used for

  • sundaes
  • milkshakes
  • floats
  • pie à la mode

In the kitchen

  • let sit at room temperature a few minutes to soften before scooping
  • fold into batters while still very cold
  • layer while frozen firm to keep clean lines

Picking it at the store

  • Let it soften just until scoopable, not melty — a few minutes on the counter is usually enough
  • Store pressed flat with plastic wrap directly on the surface to slow ice-crystal formation once opened

Browse the full glossary →

Tastease's cooking wizard explains steps like this one in plain language, right when you need it — while you're actually cooking. Shop smarter, cook with confidence.

Try Tastease free