By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
June is National Dairy Month, and what better way to celebrate our introduction to summer than ice cream. Lots of it. Rich, creamy, and pure comfort. For many of us, that means heading to the nearest ice cream or frozen yogurt shop.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy ice cream, and even those who are lactose intolerant can find this delicious treat on the grocery shelves in many flavors. I’m on that lactose intolerant list, and the varieties available to take care of my cravings.
Before you dive into the reasons ice cream might add unwanted pounds (because I know you’re thinking that) let’s consider the reasons we should dive into this thick, lick-able, lovable treat.
- Fun – Ice cream events signal everyone is celebrating something grand. Baseball wins and losses, family time, friends together. Romantic getaway. Even a beautiful day. Or no reason at all!
- Memory Maker – When I think about ice cream, I think about the times I’ve experienced dishes, cones, sundaes, and milkshakes with family and friends. Sometimes where we ate, when, or why comes to mind. How often have you captured an ice cream moment on camera?
- Health – Dairy products are filled with ingredients that are good for us. Super nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin A, and dairy products help fight nasty diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. In fact, we should eat ice cream year around. I’d venture to say good mental health comes from ice cream—not to overdo a great taste treat but to balance out your diet with something special.
- Social Time -Too often we get stuck at work or home with no one to share a conversation. If you add ice cream to the dialogue, people are ready to engage, even if they have frozen tongues. And ice cream brings out the kid in us.
- Variety – Ice cream comes in many forms and flavors. Regular, low-fat, non-fat, sugar-free, and homemade. Whatever our pleasure, we can find a specialty. Some people prefer a cone, a bowl, or topped with flavored syrup, fruit, candy, and nuts. Or make up something original. I’ve read some rather unique ingredients.
- Support dairy farmers – We value a great cause, and supporting dairy farmers shows we respect their hard work.
- No Reason – Do we really need a reason to dive into ice cream?
June, National Dairy Month 2023 gives us not only the history of the event but ways to commemorate the occasion.
Now it’s your turn. How do you enjoy ice cream?
Two ice cream comments:
A favorite memory first. My best friend’s daughter Cherie was getting married (more than 20 years ago I am sure) and her son-in-law insisted on giving anyone who wanted one, a scoop of ice cream along side their slice of wedding cake. The bride was a bit embarrassed but virtually every guest beamed at the idea and gladly accepted it. HE couldn’t imagine cake without ice cream so he scooped it for his guests personally. I have watched him serve the Lord, his family, his church and friends in many ways through the years since I saw him serve ice cream.
Second: (I like most ice cream, but…) My favorite treat is from a local place. It’s called a Turtle Sundae. Vanilla ice cream, both hot fudge and hot caramel toppings, sprinkled generously with toasted pecans and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the toasted pecans that make it special.
Stephanie, what a great story. I can’t imagine cake without ice cream either! Sounds yum for the sundae. I often find local ice cream stores have more amazing flavors and menues.
Stephanie, the wedding story is a memory to cherish. And your description of your Turtle Sundae makes my mouth water. Thank you for sharing.
Favorite memories of ice cream: My 3 year old daughter’s first ice cream cone had as much smeared around her mouth and dribbling down her chin when she stuffed it in her mouth. Also, my mom celebrated everything with a root beer float. And I was her willing partner who brought them when she moved to assisted living. Now that she certainly must be enjoying them in heaven, we have one on her birthday in memory of her.
Karen, what a memory-maker! My dad loved root beer floats. That was a favorite way to celebrate. Thanks so much for sharing.
I like ice cream any way I can get it. Drumstick cones and chocolate sundaes being my favorites followed by a good root beer float. Did you know a root beer float also settles an upset stomach?
Donna, A root beer float settles an upset tummy? Wonderful fabulous news – and another reason to have ice cream. Thanks!
Eating ice cream is fun and especially refreshing in the Texas summer heat! Even though I’m allergic to cow’s milk and nuts, I still enjoy ice cream as a special treat. I buy coconut milk ice cream or GoodPops, which contain coconut milk or fruit juice. The GoodPops have less sugar too, so they’re a great treat option for my child too. Sometimes we make our own popsicles with fresh fruit.
Hi Michelle – yes the Texas heat is upon us! I eat the lactose-free ice cream to soothe my troubled tummy. I’ll need to try coconut milk ice cream. Thanks!
Thank you for the support of dairy farmers!
Carole, you are so welcome, and thank you!
DiAnn:
Thank you for reminding us that June is National Dairy Month! I just bought two of my favorite ice creams because they were $1 off at my favorite grocery store. I can’t wait to enjoy a small bowl this evening watching television.
Judith, thanks for commenting! This is definitely ice cream season. My mouth is watering as I think about it!
As Gail said above, milk shakes. My favorite is my own concoction: vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, and banana. A squirt of hot chocolate sauce stirred in doesn’t hurt either! As for calories, I really must pass along some very important information. Once we insert a spoon (or straw) into the deliciousness, all calories escape and evaporate into the air. So, next time you see those fluffy clouds floating across the sky, you will know that people are enjoying ice cream.
That will be my new favorite ice cream! Eating and watching the calories floating across the sky!
Now I want an ice cream cone! We live close to a peach orchard that makes delicious peach and strawberry ice cream. My favorite is their butter pecan which is filled with toasted pecans. The only problem is they only offer this treat in the fall and winter months. But they did open their freezer doors for this creamy dessert for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We filled up on this one this past weekend. Thanks for sharing with us this special celebration of an American favorite.
Simply Yum, Barbara, I remember eating a cinnamon apple spice ice cream that was heavenly. I need to find my keys and get to the store!
I always look forward to eating Peach Ice cream in the summer which is usually when they bring it out. It is my favorite kind, I like it in a small bowl or in a cone.
Sounds so good, Alicia. Maybe we should have an online Ice cream social!
I enjoy ice cream any way it comes! It’s the proper way to celebrate. It’s the proper way to commiserate. And I always point to the well-known scientific fact that our physical, emotional, and psychological health are linked. So, if it makes you happy, it’s a health food! However… one must be on guard against imposters masquerading as the real thing. I did try making ice cream one time using almond milk instead. Yikes! I’m sorry, Lord – I’ll never cheat again! 🙂
Diana, yep, cheating on flavor usually leads to a disaster. But you saw (tasted) the error of your ways.
Ice cream is a wonderful memory maker and is so delicous. Great list of reasons to eat it!
I agree so much Susan. I don’t need too many reasons to eat it. 🙂
Oh. My…. No reason needed!!!
But talk about a good excuse— a dear friend once told me each time you see a rainbow, get ice cream. We still try to follow that rule!!! Yum!!! (Even better, or at least more colorful— if someone in our party gets rainbow sherbet!)
❤️🌈💚🍦💙
So true! My favorite is soft serve on a waffle cone. Yummy!
I could eat my weight in ice cream! If I gain more weight by eating it, I could eat more! Oops! One problem…I am diabetic. The sugar free kind contain artificial sweetness which cause digestive issues. Not fun!
Hi Cindy
Let’s hope the makers of ice cream choose to use a natural sweetener that doesn’t cause digestive problems!
Sundaes, strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a cup, Carmel nutty buddies. 🙂
Elizabeth
Okay, you and I must go to the nearest ice cream store. We will have way too much fun.
Premiium Select coffee ice cream so delish
Oh, my mouth is drooling – add some chocolate with it!
Whataburger’s Dr. Pepper shake
Gayle, that is all you! Never been a Dr. Pepper fan. But yep to the ice cream. 🙂
I love dairy foods but they don’t love me. I buy my Lactaid chewables in the 60 tablet packs.
Now I can eat ice cream and dishes made with soft cheeses or sour cream.
Have you tried the lactose-free ice cream? Breyers and Krogers make good ones.