“Schweddy Balls” isn’t a reference to a new work-out sensation — it’s a new, limited-batch ice cream flavor released by Ben & Jerry’s and inspired by a Saturday Night Live skit of the same name.
The skit stars Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon as hosts of the “Delicious Dish,” a parody of a National Public Radio program. Alec Baldwin portrays a hilarious Pete Schweddy, the fictional owner of Season’s Eatings Bakery, who explains poker-faced to the show hosts that he has a variety of balls — popcorn balls, cheese balls, rum balls suited for every taste among his special holiday offerings.
Alec Baldwin, who will be hosting the 37th season premiere of Saturday Night Live on September 24, expressed his appreciation for the ice cream homage.
“For a long time, I thought that ‘Here Lies Pete Schweddy’ would end up on my tombstone,” said the legendary comedian and “30 Rock” actor in a Ben & Jerry’s press release. “Now, thanks to Ben & Jerry’s, the goodness of the Schweddy family recipe won’t go with me to the great beyond. It is immortalized here, right now, and it’s an ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s and Schweddy. Two great names in American dessert, together at last.”
Original skit SNL cast member Ana Gasteyer also expressed her enthusiasm for the new flavor, “I am pleased as holiday punch that Ben and Jerry’s has taken it upon themselves to share the Schweddy Family recipe with the world. As a person and a performer, I am a sucker for holiday balls. And I have no doubt this ice cream will cause many to scream ‘Good Times,’” said Gasteyer via press release.
The novel ice cream isn’t the first time Ben & Jerry’s has spun a fun mixture of flavor and pop culture. Other limited edition treats like Stephen Colbert’s “Americancone Dream” and Jimmy Fallon’s “Late Night Snack” exemplify the company’s irreverence and sense of humor, says Ben & Jerry’s spokesperson Sam Greenwood.
“We’re such huge fans of SNL, so to connect our product with the show is a lucky treat for us – it’s a chance to celebrate and laugh at ourselves with a specific time to this classic skit. It’s obvious that people get the joke, and since the launch we’ve had only one complaint from someone who didn’t like it.”
The newest Ben & Jerry ice cream flavor, currently available at participating Ben & Jerry’s shops and at supermarkets across the country while supplies last, features Fair Trade rum-flavored vanilla ice cream with fudge covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls.
