Fortune cookies pulled from Linsanity flavor

WASHINGTON— Asian-american NBA star Jeremy Lin has inspired his own flavor from ice cream maker Ben and Jerry's, but waffle cone pieces have replaced fortune cookie bits in "Taste the Linsanity."

The Boston Globe reported the switch in the limited-release item, which has been available at the company's Harvard Square shop in tribute to Lin, a Harvard University graduate who has gone from NBA benchwarmer to global icon.

Lin, a 23-year-old point guard cut by two clubs in December, was given a chance to play by the New York Knicks and responded with the best 10- game scoring and assist performance by a first-time NBA starter since 1976.

Lin, whose parents are from Taiwan, led the Knicks to seven triumphs in a row after joining the lineup and became a sensation in Asia as well as to Knicks fans who have rejoiced in the team's improvement with Lin in the lineup.

In tribute, Ben and Jerry's created " Taste the Linsanity", a frozen yogurt that includes lychee honey swirls and a waffle cookie that can be used for dipping or be crushed atop the yogurt.

Initial batches of the flavor included pieces of fortune cookies mixed into the yogurt, but the cookies became soggy and two pints were returned because of it, Ben and Jerry's general manager for Boston and Cambridge Ryan Midden told the Globe.

"There seemed to be a bit of an initial backlash about it, but we obviously weren't looking to offend anybody and the majority of the feedback about it has been positive," Midden said.

The flavor will only be available for a limited time, Midden said.