An ice cream social is the most pleasant of sticky situations

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Kristina Morgan and Deandra Brooks

Special to The Plain Dealer One of the most treasured summertime memories is the taste of homemade ice cream on a hot, sunny afternoon. Years ago, such a treat was hard-won, involving hours of hand cranking or bags and bags of rock salt. But in recent years, there has been kind of renaissance in home ice-desserts. Today, everything from Champagne Sorbet to Green Tea ice cream can be quickly made at home in one of the many new-generation ice cream makers available at your local housewares store. So, if you haven't already bought one or received one as a wedding gift, now is the time to get in on this trend. The newer models of home-use ice cream makers have taken this favored treat from the merely delicious to the delicious and easy. Don't keep the good news all to yourself. Perform a community service and invite your friends and neighbors over for an old-fashioned ice cream social. Decorations

Set up an outdoor table with ice cream colors and think mess containment. Cover the dining space with a brightly colored disposable vinyl table runner. The color adds to the festive nature and also minimizes your cleanup time, because, face it -- ice cream is sticky stuff.

Next, continue the use of color with plastic bowls and spoons. The table runner, spoons and bowls should each be a different color.

Finally, set out water pitchers and glasses. On a hot day, all that sweet ice cream will make guests need some refreshment.

Menu

Homemade ice cream! A simple vanilla base offers thousands of possibilities. For your first outing, try Snickers (recipe below) and then work your way up to more challenging flavors like Blueberry Pie (just add pie filling and bits of baked crust.). But contain the caloric damage by using fat-free milk instead of whole milk as part of your base.

Remember to provide an array of toppings so guests can customize. Chocolate syrup, caramel, sprinkles, chopped nuts, whipped cream and cherries are always crowd pleasers.

Snickers Ice Cream

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups well-chilled whipping cream

1 cup well-chilled fat free milk

¼ cup granulated sugar

1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

6 mini Snickers bars, sliced into 4 thin slices each

2 tablespoons dulce de leche ice cream topping

Preparation:

In a bowl, mix whipping cream, milk, sugar and vanilla extract. Pour contents into an appropriately prepared ice-cream maker and prepare according to the machine's instructions. About five minutes before finish time, pour in the Snickers slices and let them mix in thoroughly. Immediately after turning off the ice cream maker, remove the mixing arm and stir in the dulce de leche. Place finished ice cream in separate container. Freeze for at least 2 hours to ensure a firm consistency. Morgan and Brooks are founders of the Society of Recovering Sorority Girls, an organization devoted to a life less ordinary. Check out more easy entertaining ideas at www.recoveringsororitygirls.com.