"I Scream, You Scream ... We All Scream for Cherry Ice Cream!"

We’ve heard that slogan most of our lives. But, it’s still true. I remember my dad leaving change on the mantle each morning for the ice cream truck. We listened for that song all day and went flying into the house for our money when we heard it. I still love ice cream; especially on such long, hot, hot days!

Whether you churn the ice cream at home or buy it at the grocery store, you can personalize the treats by combining your favorite ice cream with surprising ingredients to make a flavor that is all your own, such as Sweet Cherry Pie ice cream (featured in recipe).

Here are some suggestions for ways to dress up your next ice cream event. When it’s really hot outside, the kids will think you are wonderful if you pull out the ice cream! In addition to the flavors that you already love, try some of these.

Below is a basic vanilla ice cream recipe. You can use that as a base and add or substitute flavors to get the exact combo that you want. As you look for toppings, don’t forget jellies and preserves. I make watermelon jelly each year and discovered by accident that it’s terrific on vanilla ice cream!

Vanilla Ice Cream

4 Eggs

2 Cups White Sugar

2 (12-Ounce) Cans Evaporated Milk

1 (14-Ounce) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Whole Milk

With an electric mixer, cream eggs and sugar. Add evaporated milk, condensed milk, and vanilla. Beat well. Pour into an electric ice cream churn. Add whole milk to fill line. Insert dasher. Pack cooler 1/3 full with ice. Add a layer of rock salt. Repeat layering with ice and salt until full. Note: be careful not to overfill, spilling salt into the churn. When machine starts to labor or shut off, remove the dasher and drain water. Fill with more ice and salt. Cover with a towel and let harden.