How to host a Contemporary Ice Cream Social
Scoop Up Some Fun
while Chillin’ with Friends

Is it your time to host the neighborhood get together? I have a quick, easy, and fun idea…host an ice cream social. Just a few items are needed to make this one of the easiest parties to have.

First item of course is ice cream. Choose one, like I did, that would be neutral such as vanilla bean so that the stars of the show, the dessert sauces (toppings) will shine. If you’re feeling adventurous you can add other flavors that would complement the sauces.

Next item to consider is the toppings or dessert sauces. I choose the new collection of sauces from Melissa’s. You have six flavors from which to choose such as: Pistachio, Wild Cherry, Strawberry, Caramel, Raspberry, and of course Chocolate. They are sold separately or in a five or four pack combination and if they are not in your local store, they can be ordered on line and here is the link:

Once you have experienced them as ice cream toppings, try some of the many recipes found at Melissa’s World Variety Produce website.

Here is one that I thought you might want to try: With the two main ingredients for the party ready, here are a few helpful tips. To prevent ice cream melting while guests create their treats, I froze the ice cream in individual silicone cupcake molds. It only took minutes to whip the slightly thawed ice cream in my mixer before scooping it into the molds.

I placed the molds in a 12-cup cupcake pan to keep them steady and returned them to the freezer until solid. Then, I unmolded the first batch and repeated the process for the next. Once they are frozen they can be placed in Ziploc bags with wax paper separating them for easier storage. The day of the party I set the cupcakes on a serving platter in the freezer for easy presentation. I had 13 people at my party and I used 6 quarts of Dryers vanilla bean ice cream. I had a little left over. The left over cupcakes have made for quick desserts at our home.

When it was time for the guests to arrive, I brought out the ice cream cups and the six sauces in their convenient bottles for the guests to make their choices. I added a can of whip cream and we were ready to go.

It was fun to watch everyone take time to think about which sauces they wanted to try first. I asked for comments since my guests were asked to rate the sauces for my article. Here are some of the comments: “Sauces had big flavors.” “Can’t wait to try the Wild Cherry and the Chocolate mixed together.” “These would be good in a milk shake.” I absolutely loved the raspberry.” “This would be good with vanilla ice cream, Grand Marnier, with fresh raspberries and coffee.” “Can’t wait to try in my next cake. “ Each variety had its’ fans but the Caramel and Strawberry seemed to be the favorites.

“This was by far the easiest party I’ve hosted. Aside from making the ice cream cupcakes— which you can skip if scooping ice cream isn’t a bother—there was little effort involved. Using paper bowls, plastic spoons, and napkins simplified both setup and cleanup. Everyone, guests and host alike, enjoyed a stress-free and fuss-free celebration. So, the next time inspiration strikes, remember Melissa’s dessert toppings and your favorite ice cream!”

Review by Bobbie Kitto
Edited by Linda Kissam

Note: Roberta (Bobbie) Kitto is a freelance writer based out of Laughlin, NV. Her interests include travel, culinary pursuits and gardening. No fee was paid for this article review. Her opinions are her own.

To make the best of each recipe, use for quality ingredients! Bobbie  highly recommends products from Melissa’s.