Originally published in Successful Meetings
magazine, July 2006It's that time of year again. Hot dogs sizzling on the grill, ice-cold glasses of lemonade waiting on the picnic table, and Fourth of July fireworks lighting up the night sky. What better way to end a barbecue than with an old-fashioned favorite: ice cream? Whether you prefer it in a waffle cone with hot fudge and rainbow sprinkles or unadulterated in a dish, ice cream is the perfect summer treat. So go ahead, indulge yourself.
DIY DessertIf the idea of making ice cream conjures up tiresome images of spilled rock salt and hours spent hand cranking a tub, listen up. There are now sophisticated machines on the market to do the dirty work for you. The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker also makes frozen yogurt or sorbet for the more health-conscious, and makes and stores 1 1/2 quarts in a bowl that goes straight from machine to freezer. $44.95; available at
www.williams-sonoma.com Six of One, a Half-Dozen of the OtherForever changing the way we think of a six-pack, Ben & Jerry's offers 47 flavors by mail; simply choose the half-dozen pints you like and they will be packed in dry ice in a Styrofoam container and shipped by second-day air. $54.95;
www.benjerry.comTo Top It All Off Smucker's, famous for its jams and sponsoring Willard Scott's Today Show birthday announcements, is also a purveyor of ice cream accompaniments. Sugar-free toppings, "spoonable" toppings, sauces, syrups, and the ever-popular Magic Shell are all available in stores and online. Prices vary;
www.smuckers.com