Flavors Inspired By Banned Books Launch At Bloomfield Gelato Shop

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — “Vladek’s Memory,” a nod to Art Spiegelman’s acclaimed graphic novel, “Maus,” is one of the limited-time gelato flavors that customers will encounter at APEM Creamery in Bloomfield this weekend.

The gelato shop – which has become known for its social media presence, unique concoctions and unflinchingly Jersey attitude – kicked off its “Reading Rainbow” week on Friday. The promotion, which will run until Sunday, features flavors inspired by banned books.

Those flavors include culinary creations such as:

• Hazard to Society (Aiden Thomas’ “Cemetery Boys”) - star anise custard with candied oranges and chocolate, inspired by pan de muerto
• Vladek’s Memory (Art Spiegelman’s “Maus”) - honey gelato with walnuts, candied oranges, and cinnamon, inspired by Polish rogaliki (crescent-shaped pastries)
• Canadian Beach House (Mariko Tamaki’s “This One Summer”) - buttermilk ice cream laced with maple syrup
• Communion of Blue (Niki Smith’s “The Deep & Dark Blue”) - blueberry ice cream with dark chocolate Stracciatella and candied ginger
• Melissa’s Story (Alex Gino’s “Melissa”) - lemon custard swirled with blueberry and raspberry purees
• Mia’s Treat (Kelly Yang’s “Front Desk” series) - super rich vanilla just like Mia's beloved cream soda
• A Tale of Chocolate (Elizabeth Zunon’s “Grandpa Cacao”) chocolate with cacao nibs and pieces of chocolate cake

The list of flavors for Reading Rainbow week also includes dairy-free options such as Milagros (Gabby Rivera’s “Juliet Takes a Breath”) mango coconut sorbet, and Gold Standard (Jonathan Van Ness’ “Peanut Goes for the Gold”) vanilla oat milk peanut butter, chocolate stracciatella, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.

The limited-time promotion is part of an annual Customer Playlist Contest, where the shop asks its patrons for themes and potential flavors. Three other winners were declared this year.

“This week’s winner wanted to bring awareness to banned books, mostly for children, that are being banned in various states across the U.S. with flavors inspired by specific titles,” explained the shop’s co-owners, Alex Saneski and Jennifer Ko.

APEM Creamery // Sorbetteria is located at 870 Broad Street in Bloomfield. Hours are Thursday from 12:30 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12:30 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Gelato and sorbets are available by the cup or cone ($4.50 to $5.85) and pint ($13).

• See related article: Maplewood Library Takes Stand On Banned Books, 'Tide Of Intolerance'
• See related article: 3 NJ Teachers Union Leaders Concerned By Book Banning In Schools

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