It sounds almost too good to be true, there is an entire month dedicated to ice cream. July is Ice Cream Month and what better way to cool off from the summer heat than with a scoop of this delicious frozen treat? Ice cream has long been a staple in warm weather, and July is the perfect time to pay homage to our favorite dessert. 

To celebrate Ice Cream Month, you are limited only by your imagination. While there is no “wrong” way to enjoy your favorite flavor, try thinking outside the box to make the most of the month devoted to creamy delicious ice cream.

Top It

Break up the monotony of your morning meal by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream to hot cereal.  Instead of the same old instant flavored oatmeal, top plain oatmeal with ice cream, walnuts and berries. Ice cream has a nutrition edge over other desserts by containing the nutrients that dairy foods offer. Adding it to oatmeal provides a fun twist to a fiber-rich breakfast.

Sip It

Switch out your hot coffee drink for a summer beverage inspired by the iced coffee trend. Skip stirring in cream and sugar to your morning cup of Joe and add vanilla ice cream instead!  This “coffee float” is not your traditional morning beverage or your typical dessert, but a hybrid of the two. Simply add a tablespoon (or three) of the creamy dairy dessert, stir and enjoy.

Layer It

Take a scoop—or a layer—of your favorite flavor to the next level by creating a custom dessert. Just like the layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry seen in Neapolitan ice cream, you can layer any flavor combination to build a new dessert. Try layering cookies ‘n cream with chocolate brownie and peanut butter flavors. Or add blueberries and diced strawberries between layers of vanilla ice cream for a patriotic nod to the American flag for July 4^th festivities.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to enjoy your favorite ice cream flavors this month. Keep in mind, ice cream is a dessert unlike any other. The mixture of milk and other dairy ingredients not only gives ice cream its rich flavor, but sneaks in nutrients as well.

Recipes

Ice Cream Blueberry Muffins

Make 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 2 C. all-purpose flour
• 3 t. baking powder
• ¼ C. sugar
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream
• 1 pint blueberries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spray 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Melt ice cream in the microwave for one-minute.
4. Add flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl, stir together to combine.
5. Add the melted ice cream and mix with a spatula until uniform batter forms.
6. Add the blueberries and fold into batter.
7. Pour into muffin cups.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
9. Cool in muffin tin for at least 5 minutes before taking them out

Enjoy with a glass of ice cold milk!

Serving Size:  2 muffins

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 275, Total Fat: 6 g, Protein: 6 g, Calcium: 18% Daily Value

“Fried” Ice Cream

Makes 3 Servings

Ingredients

• 3 C. of vanilla ice cream, divided
  • 2 Tbsp white granulated sugar
  • ½ t. ground cinnamon

Topping

• 1 Tbsp butter
  • 2 C. corn flakes (crushed)
  • ½ t. ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Scoop the ice cream and shape each cup into a round ball. Place on a baking sheet or plate and put into the freezer for at least 3 hours.
2. Crush the corn flakes, sprinkle with cinnamon. Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the corn flakes and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the corn flakes are toasted.
3. In a small bowl combine the white sugar and remaining cinnamon.
4. Take the ice cream from the freezer, roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then coat with the toasted corn flakes.
5. Top with hot fudge, whipped cream and cherry
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 270, Total Fat: 10 g, Protein: 3.6 g, Calcium: 16% Daily Value