GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLFRIEND GATHERINGS

Learning from YOU to empower ME !

Another Countdown in Houston – The Return of Blue Bell

By

IMG_1045There has been a buzz in Houston over the past few weeks since Blue Bell announced they would start distribution again.    Soon after that announcement, we had a date – August 31, 2015 – and the countdown started.      Now it is over and we all know that we have survived the unimaginable – a hot, humid, horrible summer in Houston without Blue Bell ice cream.

For the past several months, I noticed the ice cream aisles in our supermarkets have been like a ghost town.  The persons that I did encounter on those lonely aisles would have a look of frustration on their faces as we all attempted to determine a suitable substitution for the ice cream that we Texans have enjoyed for over 100 years.    I tried other brands over the past several months and they were flavorful and tasty in their own right.    However, they just didn’t satisfy me like Blue Bell.    It is something that is hard to explain.

So, for the past few weeks, I have had lots of discussions at work, with family and friends about the strategy of acquiring some Blue Bell ice cream on August 31, 2015.    We all believe that everyone will make a mad dash to the supermarket to purchase as much Blue Bell as they can and there will probably be some celebrations.  I know the local news media is planning to report live from some supermarkets.    We are just that serious about Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Even though there will be a limited release of flavors, everyone in my circle is happy to know that Homemade Vanilla is among that release.    It is a signal that a Texas tradition is being revived again.

Welcome Back, Blue Bell Ice Cream!

QUESTION(S):

Are you glad Blue Bell Ice Cream has returned?

 

For the Love of Blue Bell Ice Cream

By

ice-cream-cup_zy1JHJvOLast week, the executives at Blue Bell Creameries made the decision to recall all of their products from all markets and to temporarily stop production in their commitment to doing 100% the right thing in addressing the Listeria contamination issue.   I applaud them for this “fresh start” iniative.   As a Texan, I am very proud of them.   The decision was bold, courageous, and indicative of the true spirit of this 108 year-old company.

Blue Bell Creameries is a true Texas icon.   It is a treasure in Texas culture along with such icons as The Alamo, the Astrodome, and the Hotel Galvez.   Most Texans make a pilgrimage at least once to that little creamery in Brenham, Texas that has given us the best ice cream in the world.   We were proud when Blue Bell expanded their market nationwide so that others could get a taste of Texas.

Personally, Blue Bell has been the center of many loving memories with my family and friends.   When I was growing up in Houston my siblings and I would not ask our Mother if we could have ice cream – we would ask if we could have Blue Bell.    In our home, the name Blue Bell was synonymous to the words ice cream and that was the only brand my Mother purchased.     Homemade Vanilla has graced many a dessert plate accompanied with German Chocolate Cake, Peach Cobbler, Pecan Pie, and Sock-It-To-Me Cake just to name a few.   I remember those hot summer Sunday afternoons dressed in my ruffled cotton dress and cowgirl boots going with my Dad and sister to the nearby ice cream shop to get shakes made with Blue Bell strawberry ice cream.

When the Listeria contamination first occurred, I received several phone calls with one coming from a friend as far away as Cleveland, Ohio to tell me about it.     They felt they had to inform me because it is well-known how much I love Blue Bell Ice Cream.    I have my favorite flavors as well as taste-testing the amazing new creative flavors that Blue Bell introduces seasonally.  So I eat ice cream a lot and I have special white porcelain bowls just for my Blue Bell Ice Cream.

One friend suggested that I may have to consider giving up Blue Bell because of this recent issue.   I told her there would never come a day where I would give up Blue Bell Ice Cream.  I told her I had faith that Blue Bell Creameries would resolve this issue responsibly.   The recent announcement solidified the faith I expressed to my friends.

I look forward to the day that Blue Bell Creameries will start production of all of its products again.   When I hear that announcement, I will surely celebrate with a few colorful and delicious scoops of ice cream in my special white bowls.

 

QUESTION(S):

How do you feel about Blue Bell Ice Cream?

What do you think about the recent actions regarding the Listeria issue?