How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Month

Ice cream novelties

July is National Ice Cream Month. President Ronald Reagan once said, "Ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over 90 percent of the people in the United States. It enjoys a reputation as the perfect dessert and snack food." He advised American to celebrate with appropriate ceremonies and activities. For most people, that means sitting down with an ice cream tub and a spoon. Here are more ideas for cooling off July with ice cream.

Things You'll Need

• Ice cream
• Ice cream scoop
• Bowls
• Spoons
• Sugar cones
• Optional fruit preserves
• Optional fresh fruit
• Optional ice cream toppings

Instructions

1. 

   Explore ice cream flavors. The top three are vanilla, chocolate and butter pecan. Baskin-Robbins boasts it has introduced over 1,000 flavors over the years. Serve up a different flavor every day of the month. July features specials at your favorite ice cream parlor, so put on a sun hat and head for the ice cream counter.

2. Blend an ice cream and fruit preserves treat. Take 1 quart of softened sugar-free vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Combine in a large bowl with 1 cup sugar free fruit preserves. Stir well. Use a large spoon or spatula to pack the ice cream back in its container. Refreeze, then serve.

3. 

   Make a fresh fruit sundae. Use sliced kiwi, banana, strawberries, whole blueberries, raspberries or boysenberries. Drop fresh fruit in the dish before adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Top with more fresh fruit, coconut and chopped nuts.

4. Create an ice cream sandwich. Bake or buy big soft cookies about 3 inches in diameter. Put a small scoop of ice cream between two cookies and gently smoosh them together. Serve immediately or freeze for later treats.

5. 

   Spoon a layer of softened ice cream in an ice cream dish and add a layer of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries. Pack softened ice cream over the berries, then freeze. For more variety, top with fudge or other sauce, sprinkle with chopped nuts and freeze. Make this layered frozen treat in individual bowls or sundae dishes for quick serving.

6. Host an ice cream tasting and soda party. Bring out unusual flavored ice creams in small dishes or sugar cones. Serve with bowls of toppings. Chill tall glasses and set out cold sodas and vanilla ice cream. Set out ice cream scoops, long iced teaspoons and straws, then have guests make their own sodas and swap summer stories.

Tips & Warnings

• Over 20 percent of ice creams are dietary specific. Makers offer low carbohydrate, low sugar, reduced fat and fat-free flavors.