Food Town Chill Out in Style This National Ice Cream Month

Ice cream is a fan-favorite treat all year long, but it shines brightest in July, during National Ice Cream Month. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or you’re simply ready to indulge your sweet tooth, summertime’s the perfect time to get creative with your frozen favorites. Lucky for you, your neighborhood Food Town has you covered.

Here, our pros offer you the scoop on all things ice cream. From the best ways to top off a cone to outside-the-box ways to enjoy this cool treat and tips for saving money along the way, we’re here to help you make the most of National Ice Cream Month. Let’s dig in!

Stock Your Ice Cream Bar with the Best

A bowl or cone of the good stuff is a treat in itself. If you’re looking to take your ice cream enjoyment to the next level, though, a DIY ice cream bar is the way to go! They’re perfect for parties or family dinners with a little added flair, and they come together quickly and easily.

Start your ice cream bar with tried-and-true flavors from brands you love. Remember, your Food Town stocks all your faves. You can find freezers full of Blue Bunny, Blue Bell, Blue Ribbon Classic (and other brands that don’t start with “Blue,” too.) Once you’ve got your ice cream, pile on the fun! Here are some things sure to make your ice cream bar something special.

• Toppings Galore: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini marshmallows and gummy candies are natural picks, but why stop there? Fresh fruit, sweet cereals and crunched-up waffle cones make great additions, too! Pretzels can also be an unexpected sweet-meets-salty add-on.
• Syrups and Sauces: Consider stocking up on chocolate fudge, caramel, strawberry topping or marshmallow fluff. A drizzle of peanut butter can also add big flavor.
• Cone Options: Offer a variety of cone options, so there’s something for every person and personality! Waffle cones, sugar cones and bowls are great go-tos, but look for types you might not have tried before. Rainbow cones or those in fun cookie flavors can make that ice cream extra interesting.
• Creative Containers: A cone isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, especially if they’ll have to eat their ice cream on the go. Mason jars and mugs make for primo portable options, while sundae glasses offer a nostalgic touch.

Let Creativity Shine with Your Ice Cream Desserts

Scoops in a bowl or cone are classic, but National Ice Cream Month is the perfect excuse to push your culinary creativity a little further. Here are some fun ideas for those looking to switch things up:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Press your favorite ice cream between two fresh-baked cookies or brownies. Roll the edges in sprinkles, cereal, candy or cookie crumbles if you want to amp up the awesome!
• Ice Cream Nachos: For this sweet twist on a savory fave, break waffle cones into chip-sized pieces and top them with mini scoops of different ice creams, syrups and toppings.
• Popsicles: Did you know you can make root beer float popsicles with real vanilla ice cream? You can also combine your favorite fruit and juices to make homemade creamsicles with very little effort. Our Homemade Popsicles Pinterest board offers all sorts of options that are easy and fun to make. (You can even mix in some adult beverages for a grown-up take!)
• Sundae in a Banana Split: Slice a banana and top it off with multiple scoops of ice cream, syrups, whipped cream and cherries for fun twist on a longtime classic.
• Fruity Float: Pair your favorite soda or sparkling lemonade with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Looking for even more ice cream inspo? Our Ice Cream! Pinterest board is packed with ideas for treats you’ll love. Be sure to try these Food Town-favorite recipes, too!

Blue Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Roll

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ Cups Cake Flour
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• 5 Eggs
• ½ Cup Water
• 1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 ½ Cup Sugar
• Powdered Sugar
• Cooking Spray
• ¾ Tub of Blue Bunny Double Strawberry Ice Cream

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• Beat eggs with an electric mixer until foamy and light yellow in color, about 5 minutes.
• Add water and vanilla. Add sugar and mix well to combine.
• Add flour mixture, a little at a time, and mix until fully combined.
• Line a standard cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray sides and bottom with cooking spray.
• Pour cake batter onto pan and bake for 17 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE!
• Meanwhile, spread a clean kitchen towel on your counter and add enough powdered sugar to cover the towel, spreading it over the entire surface.
• When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and carefully invert it onto the towel.
• Carefully peel the foil off, making sure not to tear the cake.
• Fold one end of the towel over the cake and carefully roll cake into towel. Place it on a rack to cool for up to two hours.
• When the cake is cool, set a sheet of wax paper down and unroll the cake onto it.
• Scoop the ice cream into an electric mixer and mix it on low just until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Using a spoon, spread ice cream over cake, leaving a one-inch border around the sides.
• Roll the cake up again and then wrap it with the wax paper, then a sheet of foil. Freeze it until ready to eat.
• When ready to eat it, thaw cake for 5 minutes and then cut it into 1-inch slices. Serve with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries.

Chocolate Milkshake

Ingredients:

• 2 scoops Blue Bunny Vanilla Ice Cream
• ¼ Cup Chocolate Syrup
• ½ Cup Cold Milk

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth
• Poor into a glass
• Add whipped topping (along with other favorite toppings)
• Enjoy!
  

Find Ideal Ice Cream Deals at Your Town

Your Food Town is big on helping you scoop up serious savings on all your favorite frozen goodies.
In addition to our low everyday prices, there are a few ways we help you go big on National Ice Cream Month celebrations while spending less. Here’s how:

• Swift Savings Yellow Coupons: Look for yellow coupons all over your store, located on shelves right next to applicable products. You can save right then and there on ice cream and other essentials. And remember – with no limit on yellow coupon use, there’s no reason not to stock up!
• Weekly Ad Specials: Browse our weekly ad for great deals on top brands such as Blue Bunny, Nestle, Blue Bell and more. It’s all the best prices, all in one place!
• Digital Coupons and Rewards via Food Town+: Download the Food Town+ app or access your account online to save even more with digital coupons and rewards! You can clip your coupon ahead of time or do it with just a tap during checkout at the Savings+ Pad.

Whether you’re planning a full-blown ice cream party or just need to cool down after a hot Houston day, your neighborhood Food Town is here to help you celebrate National Ice Cream Month in sweet, savings-packed style. Swing through our freezer section to scope out the latest releases from big-name brands, and old favorites you’ve enjoyed for years. During National Ice Cream Month and the rest of the year, too, at Food Town, it’s your town.

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Monday – Sunday | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.