July is National Ice Cream Month: Activities to Do with the Kids

I remember way back when my grandpa used to make homemade ice cream. It was a family event. We'd all gather around while he loaded up the machine with rock salt, ice, and all the ingredients. Then came the hard part-we cranked, and cranked and cranked!

Today things are much different; all you need is an electric ice cream maker and twenty minutes of time. No more rock salt, ice, or hand cranking required. You simply mix the ingredients and pour it into the maker's frozen tub, turn the unit on, and twenty minutes later you have fresh, homemade, custom flavored ice cream. Wow! We have come a long way. This summer, during national ice cream month, get the kids involved in this fun and delicious activity - you'll learn a lot about each other -and yes, you're bonding as a family too!

Here's the Scoop on Ice Cream: (A Little Trivia During National Ice Cream Month)

-The history of ice cream can be traced to the Roman Empire, China, and India.

-Ice Cream was introduced to England in the 17^th century and to America in the 18^th.

-The first ice cream parlor in America opened in 1776.

-Dolly Madison helped make ice cream popular when she served it as dessert in the White House at the inaugural ball in 1812.

-More ice cream is sold on Sunday than any other day of the week.

-In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month.

-Vanilla is the #1 flavor, followed by chocolate, Neapolitan, butter pecan, and chocolate chip.

-It takes an average of 50 licks to polish off a single-scoop ice cream cone. Challenge your friends and family to a Lick-A-Thon.

Let's Talk About Ice Cream:

List different flavors of ice cream.

Which is your favorite ice cream flavor?

How does it make you feel? Does it make you feel happy?

Can you dream up a new flavor? Tell us about it.

Recipes and Ideas for National Ice Cream Month:

-Ice cream makes a great dessert, snack or even the main attraction at parties.

-"Ice Cream Socials" or "Build Your Own Sundae" parties are fun. Set a table with dishes of scooped ice cream and all the fixings: bananas, sauces, nuts, cookie crumbs, whipped cream, and don't forget the maraschino cherries!

-How about shakes, Root Beer floats, pie-a-la-mode and fabulous cones?

Hot Fudge Sauce

You will need:

Four (one ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate

One-half cup butter

One-half teaspoon salt

Three cups white sugar

One (12 ounce) can of evaporated milk

Fill the lower pot of a double boiler half way with water and bring to a boil. Melt chocolate, butter, and salt together in the upper pot. Add the sugar, one-half cup at a time, stirring after each addition. Gradually add the evaporated milk, a little at a time and continue stirring until well mixed. Serve hot over ice cream. Extra sauce may be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave.

Kick the Can Ice Cream (Fun Outdoor Activity)

You will need:

One- cup milk

One- cup whipping cream

One-half cup sugar

One-teaspoon vanilla

Two trays of ice (maybe more needed on hot days)

Rock salt

Duct tape

One small coffee can with lid

One large coffee can with lid

What to do:

Pour milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla into the small-sized coffee can. Cover the tightly with the lid and tape it shut with the duct tape. Tape the can again until tightly sealed. Remember this can will be kicked! Shake the can to mix the ingredients.

Place the small can into the large can. All around, makes layers of ice and rock salt almost to the top. Cover this can and seal very well with duct tape.

Kick or roll the can, back & forth, for about 20 minutes. You may need to add more ice and salt on hot days. Continue until your ice cream has set.

Even though July is National Ice Cream Month, make ice cream time a special bonding time with your kids any time of the year. Get involved in the making of these treats together. Talk with each other - communication is the best way to really get to know one another and feel the emotions. And what better way than with an ice cold treat on a hot summer day!

Trivia Source