Delicious Inspiration for Summer Celebrations

As the temperature begins to rise, so does our anticipation for sensational summer celebrations. Whether it’s a family reunion, Fourth of July party, or neighborhood get-together, delight your guests by serving favorite summer ice cream treats and novelties. Basically everyone – over 90% of Americans – consume ice cream and love the cooling comfort and nostalgic memories it may bring. July is National Ice Cream Month, and National Ice Cream Day is coming up on July 21^st, so visit the ice cream and novelties aisles of your local supermarket to discover a wide assortment of both indulgent and guilt-free ice cream options and frozen treats. From high-protein to low carb and plant-based, there’s a variety of sweet treats available for all tastes and tolerances.

We all scream for ice cream! During National Ice Cream Month, and all summer long, make sure to include party-pleasing ice cream and novelties on the menu at your celebration. Here are some deliciously “cool” ideas:

Make it a Red, White and Blue 4^th of July Party!

Treat Tips:

• Dip the top one-third of sugar cones in melted white chocolate, then roll in red and blue sprinkles. Have them ready to fill with a variety of ice cream.
• Set out an ice-filled bowl or cooler with red, white and blue popsicles, like Bomb Pops, along with small plastic, covered cups of summer berries. Include low/no sugar options such as GoodPop varieties.
• Insert a popsicle stick into a square ice cream sandwich and press the ice cream sides into red, white and blue star sprinkles. Freeze until ready to serve.
• Make these delicious Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Sundaes.

Pair Ice Cream with Your Favorite Summer Fruits

From strawberries and blueberries to peaches, summer fruits will be plentiful in your local produce department this summer. These fruits make a nutritious and tasty topping for ice cream and can also be made into tasty cobblers and crisps and served with a scoop of ice cream as the perfect complement.

• Who says cobbler has to be served in a bowl? Get out the blender and mix up a batch of these Berry Cobbler Milkshakes. The milkshakes use only a few ingredients and taste like homemade cobbler or berry crisp.

• Invite the neighbors to an ice cream & treat shop social. Have everyone sign up to bring a favorite ice cream flavor or novelty, along with a variety of cobblers, crisps, and cookies. Set up some lawn games and have the guests play trivia with some fun facts about ice cream and frozen treats.

Create an Ice Cream Sundae Bar and Cone Zone for Your Summer Party

Create the ultimate DIY ice cream sundae for a fun way to serve warm weather dessert in an interactive way. What to include:

Cones or cups – make sure to include ice cream cones and cups for guests. For something unique and special, make these simple Cinnamon Phyllo Ice Cream Bowls.

Ice cream – choose 3 to 4 popular flavors to include in your ice cream bar and store it on ice to keep it nice and cold! Investigate what new flavors might be available at your supermarket to add to the mix. Make sure to include some non-dairy items, plus  healthier options such as Halo Top.

Toppings – choose as many toppings as you’d like, making sure to include a variety of flavors and textures for some ultimate sundae creations. Chopped candies, crushed cookies, gummy sharks, sprinkles, berries, nuts, and more. Make your toppings fun and colorful.

Sauces – sauces are perfect for drizzling on top of sundaes or cones. Include a range of options like chocolate, fruit preserves, caramel, or marshmallow.

Whipped cream – don’t forget the whipped cream! Frozen or refrigerated prepared whipped topping works great.

Cherries – because who doesn’t like a cherry on top.

Make It Mini – Because Everyone Deserves a “Little” Sweetness

Whether you’re having a party for very young children, or hosting a book club with individuals who are watching their calories, a smaller portion may be a welcome treat. Luckily, there are a wide assortment of mini portioned frozen treats now available in the frozen aisles of your favorite store. Try new Blue Bunny Mini Swirls, Dove Mini Bars with Dark Chocolate or Bubbies Mochi – these treats may be mini-sized but have maximum flavor!

To find more ice cream recipe inspiration for your summer celebrations visit the Ice Cream Month Recipe Collection at EasyHomeMeals.com.