The polar bear is no picky eater. It goes for seal, raw. Lacking seal, it will settle for whatever’s handy, even kelp. It’s hard to believe a string of seaweed satisfies the thousand-pound carnivore. But the Arctic menu is limited.
After dinner, the bear enjoys a square of vanilla ice cream wrapped in chocolate and tinfoil — at least according to the freezer aisle. The Klondike bar, as closely studied as any spread in National Geographic, suggests as much.
And why not? It’s hard work, balancing on ice floes, clobbering seals, and worrying about the world warming. Everyone needs a little sweet distraction. Chocolate-covered vanilla is just the thing: It’s cold, creamy and classic. Much like the bear it celebrates.
Polar bear bars
Prep: 25 minutes
Wait: About 3 hours
Makes: 9 bars
1 quart premium-quality vanilla (or your favorite flavor) ice cream
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chips)
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or chips)
3 Tbsp. refined coconut oil
Smooth: Let ice cream soften, about 10 minutes. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang. Scoop ice cream into the pan. Cover with plastic wrap, press smooth using first your hands, then something with a flat bottom, like a measuring cup or a smaller pan. Freeze firm, about 2 hours.
Melt: Settle both kinds of chocolate and the coconut oil into a medium pan and melt over low heat until smooth, a few minutes. (Alternatively, pile ingredients into a bowl and zap in the microwave.) Stir smooth. Pour chocolate onto a plate or shallow bowl. Let cool to room temperature.
Cut: Pull ice cream block from pan (the plastic overhang works nicely as handles). Unwrap. Use a long heavy knife to cut into nine squares. Set squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze firm, about 30 minutes.
Dip: Stick a fork in the side of one ice-cream square. Dip in the chocolate, turning to coat all sides. Set chocolate-covered ice cream on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze. Repeat with remaining squares.
Serve: Wrap each square in foil. Store in freezer. Remove from freezer 5 minutes before munching.
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