We all screamed for ice cream

There is a reason to scream

I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! Generations of children grew up shouting this rhyme each summer as they anticipated eating their favorite treat.`Ice cream is said to have come to the United States in the 1700s and it has been a beloved dish ever since.

When I was a child in the 1960s my great-grandmother gave us homemade ice cream. In the winter we used snow but during the summer after the ingredients were placed inside the ice cream maker. We put the churn inside of a big tub and placed lots of ice around it. All the children had a chance to turn the handle of the churn and it was so much fun. It would be easy at first but as the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract began to freeze the handle would become harder to turn.

Do it yourself

When it felt as though your arms would break and you could barely get the handle to budge it was time to take a peak. This was the moment we had been waiting for because the ice cream was ready to eat. My grandma made ice cream from memory and back then vanilla was the only flavor available. For those with may desire to make their own ice cream, the following link has 30 recipes.

Simple pleasures

In the good old days in my neck of the woods children walked to the local stores during the summer to purchase ice cream in various forms. We could get it in cup like containers for 15 cents in the traditional flavors of chocolate strawberry or vanilla. There was also a cup of vanilla with a swirl of caramel down the middle. We also had the choice of buying ice cream sandwiches, Nutt Buddy’s, Push-ups and Dreamsicles.

My all-time favorites are what we called chocolate covered which is vanilla ice cream on a stick covered in delicious chocolate and Captain Crunch which is vanilla ice cream on a stick covered in strawberry or chocolate crunches. Some brands have a chocolate or strawberry center. In those days sec were allowed to enter stores barefooted and the boys could go shirtless.

When it was hot we had to eat our desert on the way home because it would melt and the boys would have ice cream dripping down their bare chests. Whenever there was a spring or summer birthday party our parents would put ice cream and sherbet in a big glass bowl and pour ginger ale over it to make a delicious punch.

We also enjoyed ice cream from the grocery store in cartons that we scooped into cones and loved to crunch. During the 1960s and 70s, practically everyone at one point or another made their own version of an ice cream float were you put ice cream in a glass and pour a coke, root beer, or other beverage over it and drink with a straw.

Made to order

Another way we got to eat this treat was from Tastee Freeze which was about six miles up the highway. My great grandmother would get urges for Tastee Freeze and my mom would take us on rare occasions and it was so special. When I was a teenager a Big Tee was built next to the local Minute Market and we would walk there in groups. The ice cream in cones was delicious and we no longer had to drive all the way to Tastee Freeze.

I tried to keep ice cream in the freezer for my children when they were young and do the same for my grandchildren wi also like walking to local stores for this treat. One of the best things about summer is when the ice cream truck is ears nearby. They play music that includes children’s songs as well as Christmas carols. It’s so much fun to watch the children running from near and far squealing with delight as they line up at the truck and purchase their favorite treats.

Something for everyone

Ice cream is the absolute best summer dessert because there is something for everyone unless they are lactose intolerant. In that case, yogurt can be substituted if desired. Six generations of my family from my great=grandmother to my grandchildren have all enjoyed ice cream in the summer. Whenever my late husband and I ate at Golden Coral we had a favorite dish for desert.

We would get vanilla ice cream and top it with the little candies that looked like M&M's, the small dark chocolate pieces, and whipped cream. A piece of cake added made it all so sweet. It was one of the best treats ever. Last but not least I mention the ice cream Sundae which is a work of art to behold.

There are so many flavors as well as ways to eat this summer treat and I have shared fond memories from my own life. In my opinion ice cream will always be the number one summer desert and it can’t be beat.