I Scream! You Scream! We All Scream for Ice Cream!

July is National Ice Cream Month!  

Since July is National Ice Cream Month, I thought it might be nice to post some information on ice cream and to share some of my favorite ice cream treat recipes.  I've loved ice cream since I was a child.  My father was a huge ice cream lover too, and it wasn't uncommon on most evenings for our family to enjoy a delicious bowl of ice cream before settling in the for the night.  As an adult, with children of my own, I sometimes wonder why he thought it was a good idea to feed us a bowl of sugary goodness just before putting us to bed.  

Before we get to the good stuff,  a little history lesson.  Feel free to skip down to the good stuff if this bores you.  

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2015, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 19.

About 10.3 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the nation's dairy industry.

Founded in 1900, IICA is the trade association for manufacturers and distributors of ice cream and other frozen dessert products. The association's activities range from legislative and regulatory advocacy to market research, education and training. Its 60 member companies manufacture and distribute an estimated 85 percent of the ice cream and frozen dessert products consumed in the United States. IICA is a constituent organization of IDFA.

---

Okay, enough of the history lesson.  Time for some great ice cream treat ideas that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

This recipe for S'mores Ice Cream Treats always is a big hit at my house.  It's the perfect treat for slumber parties, or just hanging out with the family.  The best part?  it's so easy!

S'more Ice Cream Treats

Prep time: 30 minutesCook time: 26 minutes

Total time: 56 minutes
Ingredients

9 honey grahams crackers, broken crosswise in half (18 squares)
1 cup Kraft hot fudge microwavable sundae topping, divided
2 cups mini marshmallows (Or you can cheat and use a jar of marshmallow cream)
2 cups chocolate ice cream softened

Preparations

Place 9 of the graham squares evenly in the bottom of foil lined 9 inch square pan. cover with 1/2 cup of the fudge topping; spread topping evenly over graham squares. sprinkle evenly with marshmallows Cover with layers of ice cream and remaining 1/2 cup fudge topping; top with remaining 9 graham squares to form sandwiches, cover. Freeze several hours to overnight. Let stand at room temp for 10 min before cutting into 9 squares to serve. Store leftovers in freezer
(Makes 9 servings) 

---

The next treat that is sure to make your taste buds water.  Let me present:

Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS

3 large, ripe bananas

3 tablespoons natural peanut butter

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

A super teeny-tiny dash of cinnamon

Sea salt to taste

Roasted peanuts for topping

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut the bananas into small chunks and freeze until solid, at least 1-2 hours. Transfer the bananas to a very strong blender and blend until smooth and creamy. This will take a few minutes and may require periodic pauses and adjustments. It's very loud and intense since the bananas are frozen, similar to adding ice cubes to a blender. Within a few minutes, you should be seeing a thick, creamy ice-creamy mixture in the blender.

Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sea salt, and anything else you might like in there. Pulse the blender quickly to stir the ingredients all together and when everything is mixed, serve immediately. Top with additional peanut butter and crushed roasted peanuts.

---

Who loves cookie dough?  I know I do.  If you do too, this next one will be a hit with you!  I found it on the Pillsbury website, and we absolutely love it!

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Desert

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 container (1/2 gallon) cookie dough ice cream
2 cups Cookie Crisp cereal
2/3 cup hot fudge topping

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch pan with heavy-duty foil, extending foil over sides of pan. In pan, break up cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, remove ice cream from freezer; place in refrigerator to soften.

Spread softened ice cream evenly over cooled crust. Top evenly with cereal; press lightly into ice cream. Place hot fudge topping in small resealable food-storage plastic bag; partially seal bag. Cut small hole in bottom corner of bag. Squeeze bag to drizzle topping over dessert. Freeze at least 1 hour or until firm before serving. Use foil to lift dessert from pan. Cut into squares.

---

This should give you some great treats to try out this month. Of course, there are always the old standbys like hot fudge sundaes and milkshakes.  If you have an ice cream maker, I encourage you to spend some time with family making some homemade ice cream.  Give you kid an experience to remember.