- Merrill
The night before our wedding in Maine, we hosted a traditional lobster bake for our out-of-town guests (read: pretty much all of our guests). We lucked out with the weather, which was perfect, and the food was equally stellar. Along with lobster and drawn butter, there were mussels, corn on the cob, both a potato and a green salad, Parker House rolls, and burgers and dogs for the non-shellfish eaters. For dessert, the caterer made a huge fruit salad with lots of local berries. But the stars of the show -- by far and away -- were the Harbor Bars.
Harbor Bars are enormous, chocolate-dipped ice cream sandwiches made with soft chocolate chip cookies. They're a Maine thing, and my sister and I grew up eating them during the summer and fantasizing about them the entire rest of the year. At one point, Harbor Bars disappeared from the local markets for about ten years, and we were heartbroken. Then a few years ago, we spotted the signature wrapper in the far corner of the freezer at the general store in town. Harbor Bars were back, and as good as ever! (Click here for the complete Harbor Bar history.)
When the time came to plan the menu for the wedding weekend, I knew we had to incorporate them somehow, and the lobster bake seemed like the perfect opportunity. And am I glad we served them. Everyone raved. Some even managed to eat two all on their own, and I was witness to a conversation among several guests from different parts of the country where Harbor Bar "franchising" was seriously discussed. (Yes, they're that good.)
Below you'll find my attempt at recreating the illustrious Harbor Bar -- using mint ice cream, which is my favorite (it comes in vanilla as well); feel free to use whatever ice cream flavor you like. I happened upon this formula for the chocolate coating, which evokes a lovely bit of nostalgia: it's essentially a homemade version of Magic Shell! (And yes, Amanda shamelessly stole my discovery last week for her post on S'mores Semifreddo.)
Don't miss the photo slideshow of the lobster bake below -- courtesy of my friend Adele and my new cousin-in-law Rachael!
Mint Chocolate Harbor Bars
Makes 4 gigantic ice cream sandwiches (serves 4 to 8, depending on how willing you are to share)
- 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or organic vegetable shortening
- 1 pint mint or mint chip ice cream
- 8 chewy chocolate chip cookies (I like this recipe from Alton Brown)
The Harbor Bar sounds like a San Francisco It's It. They stopped making those for awhile too. Wonder if it could be the same company.
Wow, thanks for the speedy, detailed response! Plastic is just perfect. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Hi Merrill, We have a rehearsal dinner to host next month and I'm wondering where you got the great glasses with your names on them . . .
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoCongratulations! They're actually plastic cups. You can get them at Merrimade.com. They're special order, so you have to call and speak to an agent once you're on the website. Hope it works out!
Merrill,
Not sure what the commercial versions of the chocolate shells use these days but they used to include coconut oil in the formula. I make it with that and the chocolate hardens instantly on contact with ice cream. It also was once essential to melt away-style candies (mint melt aways; peanut butter melt aways); it "melts" in your mouth at body temperature. I use it for that as well. Food manufacturers stopped using it because for a time it was criticized for its cholesterol content. For a few specific applications, it is a fascinating ingredient.
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoGreat to know, thanks! I did come across some versions that called for coconut oil but didn't have any around. Maybe I'll buy some for next time.
I'm so glad you posted this recipe !! I LOVED the ice cream sandwiches... the mint chocolate chip was amazing ! Can I request the recipe for the potato gratin/ dauphinois from your reception ?! Our table went crazy over them.
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoI'll do my best! Jonathan had a second plate, heaped with just those potatoes.
Congratulations Merrill! Wishing you and your husband lots of happiness!
Carol said everything was beautiful!
Can't wait to try this recipe, sounds delicious!
All my best,
Cheryl
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThank you, Cheryl. Hope all's well with you!
Congratulations Merrill...and wonderful to see your man who loves meatloaf. He married the right person. Many years of joy, peace and love to you both
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoMeatloaf, roast chicken, steak and mashed potatoes, "pasta and sauce"...you name it! Thanks so much.
So beautiful! Congratulations!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThanks!
I love the shoes your lobsters are wearing...down to the details. What a hoot! A great memory!
Thank you so much for sharing with us folks stuck in the middle of the country. I am so excited to try this new treat even if it is fall. Congratulations!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThank you!
I will have to say that I think that Mint It's-It ice cream sandwiches are the best out there. I had no idea there was an East Coast version.
Made the choco chip cookies this afternoon. Wow - they're awesome! Not sure if we'll get to making the sandwiches as cookie supply is rapidly dwindling... Guess I'll have to make another batch!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoYeah, they're great, aren't they? Proof that "science" can be a real asset in the kitchen.
That was such an amazing night! And I can't wait to bring those Harbor Bars to the midwest. :)
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoMade even more amazing by your engagement, I might add!
I know of five "Oui, Chef" kitchen slaves that will be singing your praises very soon. Glad to hear your wedding was magical (and tasty), and thanks for sharing this decadent treat. - S
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoMy pleasure!
What a gorgeous sign your friend made - set up the evening perfectly. So happy for the newlyweds. Lobster bake + harbor bars. You know how to do it right (natch). Thanks for sharing this with us, Merrill. Cheers!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoI know, isn't it beautiful? Thanks so much for your nice comment.
Beautiful pics! Love the lobster...but I want to see a pic of you in the dress. Cheers and many many happy years ahead to you two.
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoI will definitely post one once we get the photos. Thank you!
Maine has such good food. Whoopie Pies, lobster, blueberries, and now the Harbor Bar.
Thanks for the recipe and sharing your wedding with us!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoYou're welcome!
Please tell me your wedding cake was made up of several layers of enormous Harbor Bars?! Either way, congratulations Merrill!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoNow, that would have been great.
Mazel tov, Merrill! I can't believe I spent 3 consecutive summer vacations in Maine & never stumbled upon a Harbor Bar. Must. Go. Back.
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThank you!
Wow, they look so delicious. These remind me of It's-It ice cream treats from here in the Bay Area, but It's-Its use oatmeal cookies to sandwich the ice cream. Thanks for the recipe! I can't wait to try this one.
These look so much better than the It's-It, which I know people rave about, but which I find a bit disappointing, because the cookies always seem stale . . . I'm making these, too!
Yeah, I think their cookies don't stand up well to a long freeze... of course these look way better. Fresh is always better :) And these seem more generous with the ice cream, which makes me happy!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoNow I REALLY have to check out It's-It. Thanks for the nice comments!
Oh my goodness. Will most definitely have to try these asap. Thanks, Merrill, for a glimpse into your wedding weekend. Looks like you guys had a blast, and ate well, too!!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoWe did indeed.
Do you have It's Its in NY? They weren't in NY when I was growing up, but we have them in CA and they're pretty much like Harbor Bars except that the cookie is oatmeal.
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoOh, yum! Never heard of them before, but I'll look into it.
Congrats Merrill - what a beautiful setting and I am thrilled to hear you had a wonderful time. These Harbor Bars look amazing! I never came across them during my time in Maine, I definitely missed out. Thanks for cracking the code (excuse the pun) on solidifying chocolate sauce - yum! xx
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThanks! And all the credit for the Magic Shell goes to foodies.com.
Congrats Merrill!! if this lobster bake is any indicator, i'm sure your wedding was not only gorgeous, but so much fun.
xo
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThanks, Phoebe. It was pretty great! More pics to follow in the coming weeks...
These bars look amazing. I can't wait to try them! Thanks!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoThank you! Let me know how they turn out.
Yummy! Thanks for sharing your pictures too!
Merrill is a co-founder of food52.
added about 1 year agoMy pleasure!
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