It seems that the complexities and subleteties that are the flavors of Mexican cuisine translate beautifully into ice cream. Nancy Rosales and her sister, Christie, were inspired to keep their family traditions alive. "Since our father, Abel Rosales, passed in 97’ we’ve made a point of keeping his love for our Mexican culture alive. His passion for deserts and homemade ice cream can only be paralleled to his passion for a well lived life. He raised six daughters to live out loud with love for family, tradition and pride. We couldn’t be more honored to carry his name in this product and in so doing keeping his spirit alive".
To produce agave nectar from the Agave tequiliana plant, juice is expressed from the core of the agave, called the piña. Agave cactus cover the rolling hillsides to Tequila, Mexico, the birthplace of the drink that bears its name, in the state of Jalisco. In the heart of the plant are the sugars that were been used by native peoples to make a fermented drink. "After the Spanish arrived, they took this fermented beverage and distilled it, producing the tequila known today. The popularity of the drink and the history behind it has made town and the area surrounding it a World Heritage Site " (WIKI). As you drive through Tequila, you'll see what barely pass as store fronts or puestos, replete with the same gallon milk containers in which we buy milk, filled with tequila, strung and hanging casually like some many over-sized Christmas ornaments. As you pass the toll plaze that signals your departure from the state of Jalisco, street vendors approach and offer you these same gallons at anywhere from 2000-3000 pesos (so somewhere in the neighborhood of $25). More often than not, what you are getting is from one of the premium distilleries, so don't hesitate to buy (you'll be able to taste before you purchase).
If the idea of ice cream made with agave and tequila is not tempting enough, the story of Los Osunas transports you to all that is Mexico, rich with traditions and respect for the past. Every spoonful becomes a journey:
Other Abel flavors include: Mexican Hot Chocolate, flavored with the hint of canela (cinnamon) that is key to this traditionally hot beverage, now translated into an ice cream (see The Secrets and pleasures of Mexican cooking: Abuelita Chocolate for more on Mexican chocolate, including recipes), Caramelized Sweet Corn and Sweet Mango made with agave honey.
Under the Pepito brand, the sister's have fun with more playful, if equally tempting flavors like Cactus Fruit, Mango Pico de Gallo, Horchata, Flan, Tamarindo and jalapeño crisp.
Neveria Abel flavors can be found at Draeger's Markets in South San Francisco (with additional locations in San Mateo, Los Altos, Menlo Park and Danville) and will be available through Whole Foods in San Francisco starting at the end of the summer, and both Pepitos and Abel are proudly served by Tres Señoritas Gourmet Catering
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