Carry-out: Andy's

Our next stop on the frozen custard train is regional fave Andy’s! Andy’s started at the Lake of the Ozarks in the 80’s and really took off in Springfield, MO. I lived in Springfield for quite a while and people loved Andy’s… I was young and cheap and mostly thought it was too expensive. NOW look at all the money I spend on ice cream… sorry, past me. Ha! Now Andy’s has locations all over the place, with many more “coming soon,” per their website (and per google maps which has one SUPER close to me “coming soon!”).

I guess my issue with Andy’s years ago was their main offerings are concretes - blended desserts. At the (problematic) frozen custard place of my youth, I’d get a scoop of vanilla with oreos and hot fudge on top… I tried to order that at Andy’s once and it just wasn’t an option. With my now-perspective I suppose they’d call it a sundae?? I dunno. But I guess I can move past my resentment. (I still think all these frozen custard stands are basically the same though!!)

Laila’s pup cup. Adorable! Also adorable: How long it took her to figure out the cone was edible.

Anyhow I tend to feel very overwhelmed by limitless-options places like this so I consulted my Springfield BFF for guidance, and very happily ordered the Ashley + Justin. Oh you don’t know it? It’s what Ashley (aforementioned bestie) and her husband, Justin, usually get. XD Vanilla custard concrete with toasted pecans and caramel is Ashley’s order, and for Justin it’s chocolate custard with hot fudge and peanut butter.

I dove into the chocolate concrete first - I figure hot fudge is a temperature-sensitive ingredient. (Which is another issue I have with concretes - what’s the point of HOT fudge if you BLEND it into something COLD?) While long-term readers may remember that I like my ice cream chunky, this concoction was smooth and creamy and very decadent. I would not have come up with this combo on my own but I’m very glad I tried it. Thanks, Justin!

Next up was the Ashley. Also very good, and I LOVED the crunch of the pecans! Generally speaking I don’t recommend throwing Andy’s in the freezer for a couple days later like I did since they pride themselves on the freshness of their flavor, but hey, it wasn’t bad.

Bonus: Can you spot the skeleton of a former Winsteads in the first photo of this post?