Whether it's the reward for eating all your vegetables, or something that soothes your sore throat when you’re sick, or the thing you chase around the streets as a kid when you hear that magical tune, ice cream has always been something that makes life just that little bit better. Now with the addition of Happy Cow Ice Cream and Desserts, life in Fernie, if it were possible, is now just that little bit better.
Wendy Lyn and Dan Worth opened shop on August 12 this year after 10 years of running a successful seafood restaurant in New Brunswick. “It was always the desserts that interested me the most,” says Dan of his time in the restaurant business.
So, having decided the sweeter side of life is where they wanted to be, the two set out to find the perfect location for their new venture. Having lived in Jasper for 11 years previously, they knew what life in a resort town was like but were searching for something a little different. “We thought about our lifestyle not just our work. We knew as soon as we drove into Fernie that this was the place.”
Dan and Wendy quickly set to work learning all there is to know about making these sweet treats. “It's a real blend of art and science. It's art you can eat!” says the couple who pride themselves on making all their products from scratch without preservatives or colours.
Dan starts by making the basic custard using real eggs. After letting it rest overnight he then adds the fruit or chocolate or whatever he can think of really, and churns it all up into one of the unique Happy Cow ice cream, gelato or sorbet flavours. These flavours include, just to name a few, Kick Ass Coffee, Mango Tango, Pistachio Gelato, Funky Monkey, Wild Fernie Mint and Toasted Coconut.
In keeping with the current season they now have a Pumpkin Spice ice cream and plan on bringing out Egg Nog and Candy Cane flavours for the upcoming holiday season. “We want to keep it seasonal and fresh,” says Wendy, who has even gone out and personally picked Saskatoon berries from the local area to make the ice cream flavour!
But it is not just the ice cream that will have you smiling at Happy Cow, they have a range of cakes, cupcakes, tarts and brownies. With at least 24 hours notice they can even hand sculpt a unique cake for your special event, having recently crafted a Cinderella style pumpkin for one of their clients.
Dan and Wendy have been thrilled at the response and support they have had from the local community, with Mezzaluna currently selling their Pumpkin Spice ice cream and Elk Valley Pizza delivering half pints of ice cream to customers’ doors. “I think people in Fernie appreciate that we make everything ourselves,” says Dan, who enjoys the hands on approach and describes cocoa powder as his nemesis as he talks to me, dusting off his apron.
So how does it taste? Well I was lucky enough to sample the Mango Tango and the Kick Ass Coffee ice cream and let me tell you, you don't have to head up the ski hill any more to find frozen stuff that will blow your mind!
Dan and Wendy are really excited for the future of Happy Cow in Fernie with ideas for new products, flavours and ways to get the Happy Cow vibe to more places and people. “We want to be Fernie's go-to place for ice cream and desserts,” says Dan.
Happy Cow, which is situated at 561B on the highway just near Fas Gas is open every day except Mondays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. which makes it really easy to stop in for that ice cream... after you've finished all your vegetables!
By Steph Fleming
Contributor