Have you ever craved something that tantalizes your taste buds with unexpected pairs of flavors? If you have, you might be seeking the delightful experience offered by the celebrated Secret Breakfast ice cream from Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco. A perfect fusion of two seemingly unrelated elements—bourbon and cornflake cookies—Secret Breakfast represents the bold innovation and sophisticated yet playful spirit of the ice cream shop’s co-owner and chef, Jake Godby. This article dives deep into the delicious world of Secret Breakfast, exploring its history, the art behind its creation, and what makes it a must-try for every dessert lover.
The Innovation Behind Secret Breakfast
Humphry Slocombe has garnered a reputation for creating out-of-the-box flavors that consistently surprise patrons. Among these, the Secret Breakfast particularly stands out, earning the title of the shop’s best-seller, outselling other popular flavors by a staggering margin. Godby describes it perfectly: “It’s adult-oriented and playful.” The name alone piques curiosity. How can breakfast—often associated with the innocent joy of cereal and milk—transmute into a creamy, boozy delight?
The inception of Secret Breakfast came about from a playful discussion about flavor pairings. Long before there was a recipe, the quirky name was born. Godby had a history of making bourbon ice cream and had an eureka moment to incorporate cornflake cookies, intertwining breakfast nostalgia with a fun twist. The flavor harmony emerges not only from the unconventional combination of bourbon and cornflakes but aligns beautifully with classic flavor profiles—think bourbon with vanilla and the timeless pairing of ice cream with cookies.
The Base: The Foundation of Flavor
The foundation of the Secret Breakfast is what makes it truly exceptional. Godby utilizes a modified anglaise ice cream base, crafted from local organic milk, cream, condensed milk, and a hint of kosher salt. This unique blend creates a rich mouthfeel that adds to the overall luxurious experience each bite delivers. Condensed milk isn’t merely an ingredient but a nod to Godby’s award-winning Vietnamese coffee ice cream flavor, further emphasizing the creativity at play here.
To enhance flavors, Godby infuses the mixture with the insides of fresh vanilla bean pods, followed by the incorporation of egg yolks blended with sugar—a process crucial in crafting that ideal ice cream texture. Once combined, the mixture is perfected in an ice bath to ensure it cools rapidly and avoids overcooking, allowing the bourbon flavor to steep in beautifully. Godby patiently allows the base to rest in the fridge overnight to reach optimal flavor before it meets its other half.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7237747/Humphry-Slocombe-Secret-Breakfast-Ice-Cream-San-Francisco.0.0.0.jpg “Creamy ice cream base cooling down”)
The Bourbon: A Touch of Elegance
Whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the four quarts of bourbon used for every four gallons of ice cream, showcasing a commitment to robust flavors. Initially, Godby favored using Jim Beam; however, the realization dawned that high-end bourbons couldn’t deliver their nuanced flavors in the cold, sugary concoction of ice cream. Instead, he now opts for neutral bourbons that balance the flavor without overshadowing the delightful ice cream experience, pouring “whatever is available” into each batch. This adaptability ensures Johnny Walker or Buffalo Trace go into the sweet treat, but the key is the bourbon’s ability to add depth rather than pretentiousness.
The Corn Flakes: Crunchy Textures
The second vital ingredient—cornflakes—merely glazing the surface with crunch wouldn’t suffice; they must integrate into the ice cream seamlessly. Initially, Godby faced the challenge of soggy cereal when mixed directly. His creative solution? Corn flakes cookies! He crafts extra crispy cookies that maintain a delightful crunch to withstand the creaminess of the ice cream base. The cookies are created using a basic oatmeal recipe with cornflakes providing a crispy renovation. These cookies are then baked to that ideal crispness—almost to the point of burning—ensuring they offer a powerful contrast to the creamy ice cream.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7237843/Humphry-Slocombe-Secret-Breakfast-Base-1.0.jpg “Crispy cornflake cookies fresh out of the oven”)
The Assembly: Creating the Perfect Scoop
The assembly process is where the magic transforms into reality. The chilled base meets the 24-quart Emery Thompson batch freezer, an essential step in crafting premium ice cream. The machine churns rapidly, infusing air into the mix to create that airy, fluffy texture we adore in ice cream. This churning process is incredibly quick, allowing Godby to produce three gallons of freshly made ice cream within a mere eight minutes.
As the ice cream emerges from its icy cocoon, the chopped cornflake cookies are gently folded in. This step requires finesse, as the goal is to evenly distribute the cookies without losing that fluffy texture. Once blended, the ice cream heads directly into the classic dipping cabinet, ready to tantalize the taste buds of eager customers.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7237867/Secret-Breakfast-Corn-Flake-Cookies.0.jpg “Ice cream assembly with cornflake cookies”)
A Flavor Worth the Hype
Each serving of Secret Breakfast from Humphry Slocombe turns heads and elicits curiosity, especially when locals share their tales of lining up for this delicacy. Eater SF editor Allie Pape highlights that if Godby ever decided to take Secret Breakfast off the menu, there would undoubtedly be an uproar among the San Francisco crowd. This dessert has transcended mere food; it embodies a cultural experience woven into the local fabric of the Bay Area food scene.
Locals will regale you with their experiences, often involving shenanigans and amusing anecdotes linked to their pursuit of this essential treat. The line often wraps around the block, filled with anticipation for a taste of something that feels both nostalgic and avant-garde.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7237901/Secret-Breakfast-Assembly-1.0.jpg “Filling up the freezer with fresh batches of secret breakfast ice cream”)
Conclusion: Savor the Experience
The Secret Breakfast ice cream at Humphry Slocombe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of inventive culinary techniques paired with a playful spirit. This flavor has paved the way for those looking to explore ice cream in a fresh, exciting light. Whether you are a local or visiting San Francisco, indulging in a scoop of this delightful bourbon-infused treat is an experience not to be missed.
With each spoonful, you are tasting the dedication, creativity, and craftsmanship that goes into creating a flavor that embodies both humor and artistry. As you relish the flavors, remember that Secret Breakfast is not just an ice cream; it’s a journey of flavor that invites exploration and a sense of fun that awakens your inner child—albeit with an adult twist. So, why wait? Treat yourself to a scoop of this unique flavor and become a part of an epicurean adventure at Humphry Slocombe.
