Molly Forman County Extension Agent Family and Consumer Sciences July is: National (806)259-1642 Hall (806) 823-2522 Briscoe http://briscoe-tx.tamu.edu/ Month http://hall-tx.tamu.edu/

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.

Ice Cream Sandwich Super Simple Sherbet

Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 pound frozen fruit (strawberries, mixed 1 (9 ounce) box chocolate wafer cookies berries, peaches, etc.) 1 quart ice cream or frozen yogurt, softened 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 1 (12 ounce) package mini chocolate chips 1/4 cup sugar or other sweetener (Splenda Directions: or honey works good) On a cookie sheet place 15 chocolate wafers Water as needed flat side up. Working quickly, top each wafer Directions: with a small scoop of ice cream. Top each

Put all the ingredients except the water sandwich with another wafer, flat side down. into the food processor and process until Gently push the top wafers down until the ice pureed and creamy. Add water as needed cream comes to the edge of the wafer cookies. to improve the consistency and stop Freeze for one hour, or until firm. Roll each ice occasionally to scrape down the sides. Be cream sandwich in mini chocolates chips so that careful not to over-process the sherbet into all the exposed ice cream is covered. Cover and liquid. Serve immediately or freeze. To freeze until ready to serve. Variation: Made serve later, just allow 10 to 15 minutes for changes to this recipe by using your favorite ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies, ect. the sherbet to soften at room temperature.

Cold Cocoa Smoothie

Ingredients: 1 1/2 scoops (frozen yogurt may be substituted) 1 1/2 cups milk 1/4 cup whipped cream

2 tablespoons instant hot chocolate mix 5 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Directions: In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, whipped cream, hot chocolate mix and crushed cookies. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large chilled glass and serve.

Way to

Celebrate

National Ice Month

Step 1 Explore ice cream flavors. The top three are vanilla, chocolate and . 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 , so put on a sun hat and head for the ice cream counter.

Step 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.

Step 3 Make a fresh fruit . 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.

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

Step 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.

Step 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.

Resources: http://www.ehow.com/how_2314384_celebrate-national-ice-cream-month.html#ixzz0tgDlkV6Q http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=32274&origin=detail&servings=1 Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.