Serve up nostalgia: Host a classic ice cream social during National Ice Cream Month

Summer has arrived, bringing hot weather with it. What better way to cool off than by enjoying some delicious ice cream with friends, especially during National Ice Cream Month.

Thanks to President Ronald Reagan’s love for ice cream, the United States has recognized National Ice Cream Month every July since 1984. Long before 1984, though, Americans have been celebrating events with ice cream. Since the late 1800s, ice cream socials have provided opportunities for communities to gather, oftentimes to promote a good cause. This July, host your own ice cream social to bring friends and family together. Spending time with others while enjoying a favorite treat is a great way to reconnect and build a sense of well-being.

Ice cream is one of those universally liked foods that is often associated with good memories and nostalgia. Building a summer social gathering around this classic treat is a fun, refreshing way to spend time with others, while also requiring minimal effort.

Tips for Hosting an Ice Cream Social

An ice cream social, at its core, is simple, making it an easy way to bring people together. Here are some tips to plan your own ice cream social:

• Pick a fun theme. Search your house for inspiration and repurpose items for decorations. Fresh flowers and greenery also add a festive flair.

• Plan your menu. Choose several flavors of ice cream, along with various toppings. Topping options are endless. You can choose tried-and true combinations like chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, nuts, fresh fruit, crumbled cookies or whipped cream, or you can be more adventurous by serving ground expresso or bacon and maple syrup as toppings. You can also serve ice cream incorporated into pies, cakes or cookie sandwiches. This month’s featured recipe for S’more Ice Cream Pie will ramp up both flavor and nostalgia.

• Make sure you have bowls, cones, utensils, ice cream scoops and napkins.

• Choose your serving area. A kitchen countertop or kitchen table are perfect spaces for an ice cream buffet.

• For ease of serving the ice cream, move the ice cream from the freezer to the refrigerator 10 to 20 minutes before serving. Return the ice cream to the freezer once you have served your guests.

Did You Know

Approximately 9% of all milk produced in the United States is used for ice cream. In fact, one gallon of ice cream requires three gallons of milk. A dairy cow produces enough milk during her lifetime to make more than 9,000 gallons of ice cream.

S’more Ice Cream Pie

This recipe combines two classic summertime treats into one. Your dinner guests will be calling for s’more in no time!

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (approximately 12 full sheets of graham crackers)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1.5 quarts (about 6 cups) chocolate or fudge-swirled ice cream, slightly softened

2 cups miniature marshmallows

Chocolate syrup, optional

Procedure

In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Mix well until combined. Gently press mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate crust until chilled, at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, adjust the top rack in oven to 6 inches underneath the broiler. Set oven to broil (525 degrees). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray (canola or vegetable oil). Place miniature marshmallows on sheet pan. Make sure marshmallows are not touching each other. To lightly toast marshmallows, place pan in oven for 1 minute. Watch carefully so marshmallows do not burn. Remove pan and set aside to cool.

Once the crust is chilled, scoop the ice cream and place on top of the graham cracker crust. Smooth ice cream with a spatula. Gently press cooled marshmallows into ice cream.

Freeze until very firm, at least 2 hours. Drizzle with chocolate sauce immediately before serving.