[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

The ice cream from Van Leeuwen can be a hit or miss, and my recent visits to their multiple shops (and trucks throughout the city) have been more often for warm drinks and baked goods in place of ice cream. Pear Muffins ($3) are a particular standout with a golden brown, crunchy top studded in fat pear chunks. The very edges are borderline caramelized, extra-deep in flavor. The pears keep the muffin plenty moist. And the nicest part is that it's just sweet enough, from the use of pear juice in addition to sugar. Though not a bran or buckwheat muffin, it's somewhat wholesome in flavor, and some might even call it virtuous.

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream

Various locations in NYC
vanleeuwenicecream.com

About the author: Originally from Honolulu, Kathy YL Chan writes A Passion For Food, where she chronicles her eats and travels adventures between Hawai'i, New York and beyond. She firmly believes that there is always room for dessert.