Double dipping - What's New? - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Sept, 2002

What's better than a refreshing scoop of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet? That's easy--two scoops. Thanks to the Flavor Duo Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker from Cuisinart, Stanford, Conn., you can whip up two different containers of your favorite cold treat in your own kitchen. Forget those days of arm-wrestling a stubborn crank and working with messy rock salt in home ice cream makers. The Flavor Duo is simplicity itself, effortless and neat to handle.

The key to the operation is a pair of stainless steel freezer bowls that contain a cooling liquid between their double insulated walls. The first step is to stick the bowls into the freezer until the liquid is completely frozen, a process that takes between six and 22 hours, depending on the freezer's temperature. Then place the bowls in the base and insert the mixing arm. Press the "on" button to start the bowls rotating; pour the ingredients in through the top spouts; and then sit back and watch as your dessert freezes. The latter process takes roughly 20-30 minutes, depending on the desired consistency, and can be observed through the transparent lid. Should you want a firmer consistency, pour the blend into an airtight container and pop it into the freezer for a couple of hours.

In addition to the three types of desserts cited in its name, this wondrously dexterous machine churns out a dizzying assortment of frozen drinks. It comes with a book that contains 10 pages of scrumptious recipes, ranging from basic vanilla to decadent chocolate to peanut butter cup. However, the flavors you can concoct are limited only by your imagination, and extra-added attractions like fruit, nuts, and chips can be poured in about five minutes before the blend reaches the desired firmness.

The dual containers allow you to prepare two flavors at once, helping to avoid arguments over who wants what. If you're eating for one, a single batch can be run off instead. Once everything is done, wash the freezer bowl, wrap it in a plastic bowl, and return it to the freezer until the next time the urge strikes. (The bag prevents freezer burn.)

The Flavor Duo not only produces superb frozen treats, it allows you to regulate the ingredients to avoid sugar in the case of diabetics or those cutting calories, as well as certain items that might cause allergic reactions. Look for this versatile machine in department or electronic stores and mass merchandisers for a suggested $99.

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