New Jersey residents will argue about anything under the sun, and no argument is more intense than the “Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll” debate. I’ve also come to realize that I don’t really care what anyone calls it, I’m just happy to have such a great breakfast meat at my disposal wherever I may go in the Garden State.
As people continue to push the boundaries of food, we see products like Taylor Ham utilized in ways that might be unfamiliar to us—maybe even a bit taboo or unorthodox. There is perhaps no more interesting use of the beloved breakfast meat than at Windy Brow Farms in Fredon Township, NJ, where ice cream magician Jake Hunt is spinning the insanely popular Taylor Ham & French Toast ice cream.
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Once summer hits, it’s seemingly impossible to escape this viral flavor that unapologetically invades Instagram feeds. Last year, I must have seen hundreds of posts about it before finally making the trek to Windy Brow Farms to try it myself. Admittedly, I didn’t want to like it, but its deliciousness is impossible to deny. With it poised to return soon, Taylor Ham & French Toast is the official ice cream flavor of New Jersey—I’m declaring it now.
It starts with dark-toasted brioche that is doused in maple syrup. The maple-soaked cubes of bread are then blended into the ice cream base to infuse for two full days. The mixture is then strained and spun into ice cream. Crispy Taylor Ham and maple syrup are swirled into the mix, evenly spreading the treasures throughout. This creates a complexity in both flavor and texture that is nothing short of addicting.
The crisp Taylor Ham creates a textural contrast that is more than desirable. The smooth ice cream is only complemented by the addition of the crunchy cured meat, which is speckled throughout the entire scoop. The savory qualities of the breakfast staple might seem questionable at first, but the spices and seasonings that go into Taylor Ham are actually a perfect match for sweet foods. Along with the maple-scented ice cream and French toast, the three components create a layered flavor that is shockingly good.
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Did I mention that the brioche comes from Windy Brow’s own on-premise bakery? Breads and baked goods are all made in-house at Windy Brow Farms, where Jake Hunt shows off his talents as a jack-of-all-trades in the dessert world.
And though you may originally come to Windy Brow for the ice cream, the stacked bakery and inventive coffee shop are equally as tantalizing. Donuts, croissants, breads and more are available to purchase daily in addition to expertly-crafted coffees and teas—utilizing produce grown directly on the farm.
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The farm itself has existed for well over a century, but it wasn’t until two decades ago that the Hunts bought it. The transformation into a retail shop offering baked goods, ice cream and more happened years later. It is a property with a proud history that has been revived and brought into the 21st Century.
So, this summer, you owe it to yourself—as a proud New Jerseyan—to make the trip to Windy Brow Farms in Fredon Township for the Taylor Ham ice cream. Behind the glitz and glamor, I think you’ll find that it is a well-balanced flavor that goes well beyond the gimmick. One taste and you’ll know why it is the official flavor of the Garden State.
Interested in trying it yourself? Taylor Ham & French Toast is available until it’s not!
Want to learn more about Windy Brow Farms? Click here
