Baked Potato Sundae and Penny & Mom

I honestly do not remember who told me first about the Baked Potato Sundae at the Cowgirl in Santa Fe. What I know is that I have made it one of Santa Fe's popular tourist attractions ever since I got wind of it. I don't know what I was thinking when I first found out, but I actually had memories of the awful tourist-type ice cream flavors I have experienced in the past. For instance, I will never forget being in Cape Cod and having someone offer me Lobster Ice Cream (I, of course, tried it) and then seeing things on people's menus like Green Chile Apple Pie. Not to put these to shame, necessarily, they are all intriguing... but I may have thought that the Baked Potato Sundae was actually a baked potato. And quite frankly, it would not have made it less appealing.

I arrived at the Cowgirl shortly after hearing of this invention and proceeded to eat my entree quickly. I think I even informed the waiter that I would be ordering the Sundae early on, so he would know to expect it when I was finished. After confirming my order, my dessert had arrived and I could not believe it. Here a baked potato, with butter, sour cream and chives was sitting before me. But when I dip my spoon into the middle of the potato, I see that it is, in fact, vanilla ice cream. True love at last! The pat of butter sitting on top, the waiter informed me was banana butter...the sour cream was whipped cream....the chives were bright green pistachios...the potato was the ice cream, molded into the shape of a potato and dusted with cocoa.

I thought this was the best invention and apparently began sharing with the public immediately. I spread the word like wildfire and people would constantly ask me what they should do while in Santa Fe. I'd skip past the plaza, the cathedral and go right to the sundae, as embarrassing as that is... and many have taken my advice. I think my advice to stop and get the sundae was enough to get them there to try it, as most of the advice they had gotten from the locals would be the best place to get a really good taco, a great museum or the opera.

I somehow gave my sister the hint that there was a baked potato sundae and to this day, I am convinced that her first visit to Santa Fe was solely to experience this dessert. I knew that between the two of us, we would never forget the first time we shared this little "secret."

Years later, when my mother decided to tag along with Penny for a trip to New Mexico, we were sure to stop at the Cowgirl and we had told Mom that we were going to get the Baked Potato Sundae. I don't remember what she had said exactly, but it was something like, "What the heck..." And so the three of sat there with three spoons awaiting it's arrival. We devoured the sundae, all the way to the end. Everytime the potato arrives, I am in amazement that someone thought to make this up. I haven't had one since the family visit. I am thinking that it might be time to get one soon.

If you are ever in Santa Fe, please don't miss the Baked Potato Sundae.