Celebrating National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

I scream, you scream, we all scream for vanilla ice cream! July 23 is National Vanilla Ice Cream Day and we’ll take any excuse to enjoy ice cream with our family. 

It has been rumored that Thomas Jefferson brought ice cream to the United States, and while that rumor is false he does deserve credit for the first vanilla ice cream recipe to be recorded in America. During his presidency, ice cream became very popular in America because he was the first to include it on the presidential menu.

Even in 1801, the White House served vanilla ice cream in pastries or crusts to keep things interesting. Today, we’ve pulled together entertaining ways to celebrate this holiday.

Keep things seasonal

Take advantage of the season by making the best of fresh produce. Try grilling peaches for a delicious treat. Or mix up an easy raspberry sauce that your entire family will enjoy. For adults, a fresh peach, blueberry and basil crisp is best enjoyed sitting outside in the quiet after the kids go to sleep. (It’s always fun to dream!)

Bake up some goodness

Have fun in the kitchen with new, creative ways to enjoy a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These brownie ice cream sandwiches will take you back to your childhood as you enjoy them with your little ones. Cookies and ice cream go so well together. Try making cookie dough ice cream bowls. Yum!

Create a DIY sundae bar

If you are short on time (aren’t we all?), keep things easy with a DIY sundae toppings bar that your entire family will love. Gather up your favorite toppings in a muffin tin, add a scooper and let the kids go wild! We suggest setting out each child’s favorite candy to please picky palates. Don’t forget the whipped cream and cherries! 

Have fun with pretend play

Finally, for the parents with toddlers who want to avoid getting them sugared up, enjoy pretend play with your tots! Throw together a simple ice cream shop sensory bin with cotton balls, sequins and an ice cream scoop.

Slime is messy, but this recipe for fluffy ice cream slime may be worth the hour of entertainment it will provide. Lastly, a quick click of the Amazon Prime order button will deliver lots of amusement with an ice cream truck playhouse that also converts into a food truck!