There's no better time than June and July to cool off with a frozen treat.  

Get ready to indulge yourself, because June and July mark the annual Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties promotion. It’s a great time to see and taste what’s new in the “Cool” aisles of your local grocery stores, where you will find special promotions and prices on your favorite summer sweets.  

If you suffer from a sweet tooth, don't worry you are not alone! 98% of American households purchase ice cream. Treat yourself to a decadent flavor of ice cream, or take a healthier approach to satisfying your craving with a popsicle or some italian ice.  

And who says ice cream and novelties are only for dessert? Add some frozen yogurt to your midday smoothie, cool off by the pool with an ice cream sandwich, or set up a "make your own sundae" station at your next cookout.  

Play the Summer Favorites Online Instant Win Game! www.EasyHomeMeals.com, for game details, tips, and recipes.

Check out these tips before shopping for ice cream and other novelties:

• Always make the ice cream aisle your last stop.
• In an open top freezer case, always select ice cream and frozen treats stored below the freezer line.
• When your groceries are packed, request a freezer bag or additional brown paper bag to insulate your ice cream for the ride home.
• Your freezer should be set at between -5ºF and 0ºF. Ice cream is easy to dip between 6ºF and 10ºF, the ideal serving temperature range.
• Keep the ice cream container lid tightly closed when storing in the freezer.
• Don’t store ice cream alongside uncovered foods; odors may penetrate ice cream and affect its flavor.

A Great Summer Dessert

THE CLASSIC BANANA SPLIT

2 bananas, halved lengthwise
Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream
Fudge and caramel sauces
Whipped cream, cherries and nuts
 
Place bananas in oval dish, cut side up. Arrange one large scoop each of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream on top of the bananas. Drizzle fudge sauce over the chocolate and strawberry ice cream and caramel sauce over the vanilla. Sprinkle nuts, add whipped cream, and granish with cherries. Makes one banana split.