So is there any random subject that you totally nerd over? This is the thread to let your inner-nerd out for just a moment and teach everyone something completely trivial.

So today, my nerd topic is the ice cream quenelle!

If you've never run into one before, a quenelle is a little egg-shape. I've attached a picture of a perfect one at the bottom of my post.

Most of the time, when people run into one, it's thought of as purely decorative. It is a pretty shape, and so it's common to see it in "fancy" food. However, and here comes the nerd part, to me it's so much more than that.

As I learned, the ice cream quenelle contains an "implicit idea of perfection" in ice cream. Perfect quenelles can only be made from perfect ice creams. When you get a perfect quenelle, the ice cream won't be too cold (because then a frost of ice forms on the outside), and it won't be too warm (because it will melt into a pool before you can eat it). It will also have perfect texture, because if the ice cream is icy the surface will pit.

There are many ways people try to make ice-cream quenelles, but there is actually only one correct way.

Many try to make it with two spoons like this:

And that's perfectly fine for savory stuff...but not for perfect ice cream.

A step up from that is the rolled quenelle:

Makes a much nicer shape...but is also not correct since you over handle the ice cream. This technique is very prevalent, even in the "best" kitchens in the world. But, using this technique is like using spoons dipped in warm water, it attempts to mask flaws.

A proper ice cream quenelle is not rolled, but actually carved out of ice cream... It's hard to describe in words, and even seeing it done doesn't explain it all...it's something that you can only know by feel.

And when someone has taken the time to make perfect quenelles, you'll also know that they've put equal care into making the ice cream just as delicious.

There are few things more amazing than well-made ice cream that gets into your mouth in the perfect condition and at the perfect time.