Cotton candy from a rental food cart in Boston Who Invented the Cotton Candy Machine?

January 14, 2016


The cotton candy that is so popular at fairs and carnivals has been around for over a century. Tennessee candy-makers William Morrison and John C. Wharton invented the first cotton candy machine in the 1890s. They called the treat it produced “fairy floss.”   Morrison and Wharton sold fairy floss at the St. Louis World’s […]






Ice cream being served from a Boston rental ice cream truck. Invite Ice Scream Social to Your Winter Event

January 6, 2016


Ice cream is popular with adults and children at any time of the year. If you are planning an event, such as a company milestone celebration, employee recognition, wedding, or birthday party this winter, make it special with treats from Ice Scream Social.   We serve delicious ice cream novelties from ice cream trucks at […]






An ice cream cone. History of the Ice Cream Cone

December 30, 2015


Ice cream cones like the Big Dipper are always a hit at events hosted by Ice Scream Social. Americans have been enjoying ice cream cones for over a century.   Italo Marchiony invented the first ice cream cone in New York City in 1896. He obtained a patent for his invention in 1903.   Ernest […]






Popcorn overflowing from a glass bowl. How to Make Popcorn on the Stove

December 23, 2015


Making perfect popcorn is tricky. You want to pop as many kernels as possible without any of them burning. Here is a method to pop nearly every kernel without them burning.   Heat 3 tablespoons coconut, peanut, or canola oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. If you are using coconut oil, let all […]






A hot dog with all of the fixings. Who Invented the Hot Dog?

December 17, 2015


It is not entirely clear who invented the hot dog Americans love today, but historians have some theories.   Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany is traditionally accepted as the 1487 birthplace of the frankfurter. However, some people dispute this claim, arguing that Johann Georghehner, a butcher from Coburg, Germany, invented a sausage called the “dachshund” or “little dog” […]






Soft pretzels cooling on a wire rack. How Are Soft Pretzels Made?

December 10, 2015


Ice Scream Social serves soft pretzels from push carts at events in Boston and the surrounding area. These treats are a favorite of both children and adults.   Pretzel dough is made by combining water, yeast, flour, sugar, and salt. The dough is kneaded and allowed to rest and rise. It is then rolled out […]






Kettle Corn Closeup. What Is the Difference between Popcorn and Kettle Corn?

December 3, 2015


Ice Scream Social serves delicious treats from ice cream trucks and push carts at events in the Boston area. Two favorites are popcorn and kettle corn. They are both tasty snacks that are popular with children and adults of all ages, but they have important differences.   Popcorn is made with a variety of corn […]






A soft pretzel. Who Invented the Pretzel?

November 25, 2015


The exact origin of the pretzel is unclear. One legend is that Italian monks in the 7th century gave soft pretzels to students because the twisted dough resembled crossed arms, the traditional posture used for prayer. During the Middle Ages, pretzels came to represent the Holy Trinity and became associated with good luck, long life, […]






A trio of colored cotton candy on a stick How Is Cotton Candy Made?

November 20, 2015


Ice Scream Social serves many treats from push carts at events. Cotton candy is always a favorite.   Cotton candy is made through the process of caramelization, which happens when sugar melts and the chemical bonds that hold it together break down. The sugar separates into carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen form […]






A trio of multicolored snow cones The History of the Snow Cone

November 11, 2015


Snow cones are desserts made from shaved or ground up ice that are served in North America in paper cones or foam cups. The shavings are topped with flavored sugar syrup.   In some parts of North America, the terms “snowball” and “snow cone” can refer to different things. If a distinction is made, a […]