Local, homemade ice cream is a mandatory part of summer in RVA. Especially when we have Richmonders like Beverly Mazursky scooping out new flavors on a regular basis. When Greater Richmond Grid set out earlier this year to make a few tasty treats of our own, Mazursky, owner of Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream, was the first person we called. Before we knew it, a contest was born. Pegged as the “You Name It. We’ll Make It” contest, Grid asked readers for feedback on a new ice cream flavor that would be served during the month of August to help support Richmond SCAN(Stop Child Abuse Now).
In typical Richmond fashion, the suggestion box was filled with creative ideas fromthe start. Recipes included vanilla ice cream with Ukrop’s rainbow cookies; vanilla icecream with rose water and lilac; chocolate fudge and bacon bits; salted Carmel with a twist of coconut; dark chocolate and bourbon; and a Dark & Stormy rum flavored ice cream. Ultimately one flavor suggestion caught our attention most. Marissa Dorelli submitted a flavor calling for pieces of glazed donuts with vanilla ice cream. Dorelli was speaking our language. While playfully debating the winning ice cream flavor with Grid consultant Brian Koziol, a retired chef, the idea of approaching Mrs. Yoder’s Donuts was hatched. Koziol challenged Grid to find a way to combine one of the most popular donut makers in the region with one of the most popular ice cream makers in the region.
The Yoder family quickly jumped in. Accustomed to serving thousands of Richmonders every Saturday at the South of the James Market, the Yoder’s are one of the most buzzed about food vendors of the year. Their sourdough donuts are served hot from the fryer, glazed, and always dripping with icing.
With donuts in hand, Heidi Krizansky, general manager of Bev’s, was able to combine the famous treats from the Yoder’s with her shop’s homemade ice cream for a special August offering to RVA. Proceeds from the sale of the flavor created by the community will help SCAN’s mission towith her shop’s homemade ice cream for a special August offering to RVA. Proceeds from the sale of the flavor created by the community will help SCAN’s mission to
prevent and treat child abuse and neglect throughout the Greater Richmond Area.