Happy National Ice Cream Day!

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

16 Jul 2006 03:52 PM

What? You didn't know that today is officially National Ice Cream Day? That's okay, neither did I. But it is! Ronald Reagan created this special "holiday," deeming July in general as National Ice Cream Month. The third day in July is reserved for National Ice Cream Day.

So how are you celebrating? Don't know yet? How about running to your local ice cream parlor and ordering up a scoop...or two. How about a sundae? If you're in the mood to stay at home, try popping by your grocery store and picking up one of the many varieties available today.

What's your favorite flavor? Mine would have to be Peanut Butter and Chocolate, though I love Oreo blizzards, and just about anything with coconut. No, ice cream isn't just French Vanilla or Chocolate anymore. You really can get your 31 flavors, and enjoy them too!

If you really want to celebrate the day, why not make your own ice cream? There are several ice cream maker models available on the market today. Many are inexpensive with a long shelf life. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Vanilla Ice Cream (Makes 1 Quart)

For this recipe you'll need:

2 cups half and half

1 cup whipping cream

1 cup sugar

1 Vanilla Bean, cut and scraped

To Make:

Heat all ingredients over medium heat. Using a candy thermometer, bring to 170 degrees F. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Remove the vanilla bean husk. Pour into plastic container and refrigerate ice cream over night.

Freeze the ice cream in an ice cream maker according to the packagers instructions. Since it doesn't freeze all the way like this, put it into a container and let it finish freezing in the freezer. Enjoy!

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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