Summer is in full throttle, and we are searching for ways to get our ‘just desserts’ and cool down. One of the most traditional ways is ice cream! Here are some ideas on how to turn that creamy, delicious treat into delicious ice cream desserts.
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He was a Real Jerk!
My Dad was a Soda Jerk when he was a teenager. As we were growing up, he shared his knowledge with us by making us some great ice cream treats. I just loved his banana splits!
He used a scoop of vanilla, a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of strawberry. These were sandwiched between two slices of banana. The ice cream was then topped with three different sauces. He put chocolate sauce on the Strawberry, strawberry sauce on the Chocolate, and caramel sauce on the Vanilla.
On top of that he made small mountains of whipped cream. Then he sprinkled on a few chopped nuts and topped it all with a Maraschino Cherry. Summer just didn’t get any better!
How to Float with Ice Cream Desserts
My favorite ice cream desserts were his floats. What are floats? Simply a glass of your favorite soft drink with a scoop of ice cream floating in it. A Coke Float is just that – a glass of Coca Cola with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A Black Cow is a glass of Root Beer with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. But you don’t have to end it there. Grab a Ginger Ale and toss in a scoop of orange sherbet, strawberry ice cream or any other flavor you like. Get wild and experiment, and develop your own favorite Float combination.
Make a Sandwich
Do you like ice cream sandwiches? Bake a batch of cookies – chocolate chip, oatmeal or any flavor you like.
Let them cook just a minute or two longer, so they will be a little crisp, but still soft in the center. Set them aside to cool completely. While they are cooling, slightly soften some ice cream.
Once the cookies are cool and the ice cream is softened, spread about ½” of ice cream on the bottom of a cookie. Top with a second cookie and place on a waxed paper-lined tray.
When you have finished all the sandwiches, place the tray in the freezer for at least one hour. Then pull these delicious ice cream desserts out and enjoy. Or wrap them individually in waxed paper or plastic wrap and put in a zip top bag for later.
‘Just’ Desserts in a Bowl
You can spice up a bowl of ice cream by mixing in your favorite treats. I love adding the new Crispy M&M’s in with my Vanilla ice cream.
Randy likes making his favorite ice cream dessert by adding chocolate chips and a swirl of chocolate syrup to his chocolate ice cream. You can also try adding dried or fresh fruits.
Want a banana pudding ice cream? Crush up some Vanilla Wafers, chop up some bananas and mix them with your vanilla or banana ice cream. You can also add some stiffly whipped merengue, but in my experience, it only holds up well about half the time.
Put your creative energy into creating your own ice cream desserts. Choose one flavor or mix several together. Add nuts, flavored syrup and whipped cream for a perfect ice cream sundae. And don’t forget to add that cherry on the top!
The most fun thing about ice cream desserts is that you are limited only by your imagination. But regardless of how you serve it, ice cream is a fun and delicious way to stay cool this summer!
What a coincidence; yesterday My Ruthie made some rhubarb crisp. I had never liked rhubarb until I tasted Ruthie’s crisp. The kitchen smelled heavenly! The best way to east rhubarb crisp is with a really good brand of vanilla ice cream; not the bargain brand. As Ruthie says, if you’re going to enjoy a treat of a little crisp and ice cream, you should spend an extra buck or two and get the best. I agree. I had a small dollop of crisp and a small scoop of very rich vanilla ice cream and it was wonderful! So here’s to desserts of all kinds (and we haven’t even started talking about strawberry shortcake). –Gary