This is the book of my heart because of all sweet things, ice cream is my favorite to eat. My first thanks goes to my dear editor, Stephanie Fletcher, who loves ice cream as I do and who believed that there are many others out there who will value the ability to make delicious creamy ice cream at home.
I have been graced by the best of all possible production teams: As always, Woody Wolston of team “RoseWood,” who has aptly been named by Publishers Weekly my “partner in crème”; the incredibly talented, organized, and generous Erin Jeanne McDowell and her invaluable assistant, Kaitlin Wayne, who are responsible for the beauty of all the photos in this book, rising to the greatest challenge of scooping and arranging ice cream at its most appealing moment before melting; and Matthew Septimus, genius photographer, who joyfully goes the extra mile, capturing all that Erin created with brilliant lighting and focus. Never has “labor of love” been more appropriate. Deep bow, hugs, and kisses to all of them and also to my brilliant friend Marissa Rothkopf Bates, who graced this book with a foreword that brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.
Great gratitude to the HMH production team: Tai Blanche, art director, for her stunning cover and both gorgeous and useful book design; Marina Padakis Lowry, dedicated managing editor, baker, and kindred spirit; Jamie Selzer, production editor; Karen Wise, copy editor; Sarah Vostok and my dear friend and colleague Zach Townsend, proofreaders; Elizabeth Parson, indexer; Samantha Simon, marketing manager; and Sari Kamin, publicity manager.
Special Mentions:
Dan O’Malley, American Products Group, producer of “Rose’s Signature Series”; Organic Valley, producers of the best cultured butter, cream, and milk, so important for these dairy-centric recipes; India Tree, for the most transformative Muscovado sugars; Valrhona and Guittard, for their fabulous chocolates; Breville and Cuisinart for their stellar ice cream machines; ThermoWorks for producing the reliably accurate Thermapen thermometer; and Jim Baldwin of Stretch-Tite, who produces the indispensable plastic wrap used for every ice cream.
Infinite appreciation always goes to my husband, Elliott, who is an equally enthusiastic ice cream eater, and to the blessing of having my avocation also be my vocation, enabling me to do the work I love every day.