The year was 1984 and Ronald Reagan was pretty busy running for re-election. But as the 40th President of the United States, he still had duties to attend to, like overseeing the economic recovery, opening the 1984 Olympic Games, and of course, celebrating ice cream! Wait… what? That’s right, back in the 1980’s Ronald Reagon officially designated an entire month to ICE CREAM!
Here is what he said in his official ice cream proclamation:
"Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and July 15, 1984, as National Ice Cream Day, and I call upon the people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday (always the 3rd Sunday in the month of July, according to the International Dairy Foods Association), so get those scoops ready!
Make It Yourself: Banana Ice Cream Recipes
In honor of the great foresight of our 40th President, we call on you to celebrate National Ice Cream Month this summer with some of your own appropriate ceremonies and activities. Here are a few ideas to enjoy bananas and ice cream together, two of the best things ever created in the entire universe and in the history of mankind.
Ask Not What Your Ingredients Can Do For You, But What You Can Do With Your ingredients
Try this fun and easy way to make your own ice cream with only one ingredient: bananas, of course! When bananas are frozen, there is a tiny amount of fat in them that makes them creamy when blended. The result is natural banana ice cream. Here's how to do it:
- Peel
- Slice
- Freeze
- Blend
Sounds simple, right? It is! For the full recipe and detailed instructions, including photos, go to TheKitchn.com.
The Ice Cream Maker: One Small Step For Taste Buds, One GIANT Scoop For Ice-Cream-Loving-Kind
Try this recipe for awesome banana ice cream that you can make with your own ice cream maker at home. Check out this how to make banana ice cream video from ChiquitaBananas.com to watch how it's done.
Spice Spangled Ice Cream
There are tons of great ways to add a unique twist to your banana ice cream recipe. Try adding spices or fruits like cinnamon, nutmeg, strawberries, etc. If you’re looking for a boost in protein as well as flavor, try almonds or peanut butter. Here's how you do it:
- Add your choice of cinnamon, nutmeg, strawberries, or any of your favorite spices and fruits to your ingredients
- Prepare your homemade banana ice cream using one of the methods above
- Enjoy!