July is Ice Cream Month

As temperatures soar to the mid-nineties this month, consider cooling down with ice cream in all its many forms.

National ice cream month originated in 1984 when joint resolution 298 of the US Senate, and joint resolution 543 in the House of Representatives proclaimed the month of July "National Ice Cream Month" and July 15, 1984 "National Ice Cream Day."

The resolutions were signed into public law by President Ronald Reagan on July 9, 1984 with Presidential Proclamation 5219.

That proclamation pertains specifically to 1984, however, Americans have continued to celebrate, making this year 35 of the festivities. While ice cream is appreciated all month long, Ice Cream Day is typically celebrated on the third Sunday in July.

Publicized by ice cream manufacturers, sellers and enthusiasts, the observance has actually expanded to include appreciation for individual flavors.

July 1 is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. This is a time to try unusual blends such as honey lavender, bubblegum, pumpkin, or matcha.

In the middle of the month, National Peach Ice Cream Day brings some refreshing fruitiness to the mix.

The end of the month is rounded out with the classic, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day. Long considered uninventive, vanilla is the backbone of almost every other flavor of ice cream. Even chocolate ice cream's key ingredient is vanilla.

Celebrate by taste-testing multiple types. What's the difference between sweet cream, Madagascar vanilla, French vanilla, Tahitian vanilla, and vanilla bean?

Just like wine grapes, subtleties in flavor of the beans themselves become more pronounced in the resulting end product. Madagascar vanilla beans lend an overall sweet, creamy flavor that most think of as classic.

French vanilla ice cream has egg yolks added to the base for a smooth texture, and creamy color. Vanilla bean ice cream can be flavored with any type of bean, what's important is that the beans are present and visible.

Tahitian vanilla stands alone because their beans come from an entirely different orchid that is plumper than any other. Which one tastes the best? Let your palate decide. July 31st is the perfect day to find out.

Ice cream can be as much a fun activity as it is dessert. Whether or not there is an ice cream maker at your disposal, do it yourself ice cream is not far from finished.

Quick & Easy DIY ice cream

Gather ingredients and supplies: one sandwich sized resealable bag, one gallon sized resealable bag, cream, sugar, vanilla, additional flavoring, toppings, and rock salt.

Place cream, sugar and flavorings into the smaller bag and seal tightly. Place that bag along with ice and rock salt into the larger bag and shake for ten minutes. If the inner bag is not sealed completely or comes undone, new unintentionally delicious (salted vanilla) flavors can be achieved.

For better results:

Combine the cream, sugar and flavorings over low heat, then allow to cool completely before beginning the churning process. This smooths the granules of sugar and deposits flavor more evenly.

For even better results:

Use or create an ice cream churn that is pedaled by foot. There are several brands available for quick purchase. There are also a plethora of Youtube videos with instructions on creating a dual chamber ice cream churn that mounts to the handlebars of a bicycle. This way, a fifteen-minute bike ride burns calories and makes a yummy treat.

If DIY is intimidating, look to local sources. On Main Street Waitsburg, Waitsburg Grocery has pints and gallons available, or individually frozen options, as well as sauces and cones. In the mood for something special? Step into Ten Ton for a root beer float. Or, if root beer isn't appetizing, try the coconut variation.

Walla Walla has some heavy hitters in the ice cream realm. Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins and Bright's Candies each have extensive menus and offer many options of toppings.

Spinner's Tackle, Grocery & Deli has an impressive selection in Starbuck, proving you're never too far from a good treat.

Ray's Drive-In, Moose Creek Bakery, My Dad's Place and PDQ are the top options if you're Dayton bound. Dayton's Elk Drug deserves a special mention for itsold fashioned soda fountain featuring milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, blended drinks and fruit smoothies.

No matter what method you choose, commemorate the occasion with pictures. Use #NationalIceCreamMonth to share on social media.