Celebrating National Ice Cream Day with a dollop of nostalgia
National Ice Cream Day, born from ex-US President Reagan's genius in 1984, is cherished every third Sunday of July. Ice cream, our childhood hero, saved us from summer's fiery grip. Back then, we considered kulfi, gola, and popsicles—all honorary members of the ice cream fam! Join these millennials on a frosty nostalgia trip reliving incredible ice cream memories and crafting them at home.
'My childhood was all about fruit ice cream and kulfi'
Design analyst Nishtha Rohatgi recalls, "Near my home, a store sold delightful fruit ice creams, a mix of chopped fruits in milk and cream paste. I'd enjoy them all summer, getting them in my dad's name. Cola ice cream sticks were a favorite too."
Recreate chopped fruit ice cream at home with this recipe
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together one cup heavy cream, one cup whole milk, and 1/4 cup sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Add chopped fruits like strawberries, mangoes, kiwis, and blueberries, to the mixture, stirring gently to combine. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, insert popsicle sticks into each mold, making sure they are secure. Freeze them until fully set and enjoy!
Make cola ice cream sticks with this easy recipe
Mix one cup of cola with one cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to taste. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for one-two hours. Reinsert the sticks in the slushy mixture and freeze for an additional four-six hours until fully set. Surprise your family with this nostalgic treat.
Reminiscing the 'silly orange tongue'
"As a child, I always ended up getting an orange popsicle relishing the happiness and the silly orange tongue! Today, that same popsicle brings back those cherished memories. Despite all the options, it's still the greatest," expressed Sonia Saluja, a PR consultant.
'Chiming ice cream bells brought joy and excitement'
Software engineer Shouvik Baidya cherishes the orange stick even today, and recalls, "After school and lunch, lazy summer afternoons brought joy as a Kwality Walls cycle van passed the lane, ringing bells, and delighting all kids. Not many stores sold ice creams in the area."
Gagan Anand founder of Scuzo, spills orange popsicle recipe
Combine freshly squeezed orange juice and pulp, water, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely. Then pour the mixture into popsicle molds and place the popsicle stick into each mold. Transfer them to the freezer and let them freeze until fully set. Once they are completely frozen, remove them from the molds by running them briefly under warm water.
'The best ice cream I've ever tasted in my life'
"During my holidays one night... I was gazing up at airplanes when my uncle surprised me with a strawberry-flavored ice cream in a container that resembled a strawberry! That's the best ice cream I've ever tasted in my life," expressed Madhuri Ganguly, a student.
Make the best strawberry ice cream at home
Mix sliced strawberries with half a cup of sugar, macerate for 15 minutes, then puree until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Mix the strawberry puree and vanilla extract into the milk-cream mixture. Cover and chill it for about two hours. Churn in an ice cream maker, then freeze until firm.
First ever to try 'ice cream shake'
"Back in the day, during weddings, caterers always served ice cream, and as a slow eater, I'd be the last at the table. My ice cream would always melt, making me the first to try 'ice cream shake,'" laughed Sayantan Sengupta, a Digital Marketing professional.
Make Sengupta's favorite two-in-one vanilla-strawberry ice cream at home
Make the vanilla ice cream, by whisking heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Refrigerate the mixture for two-three hours. For strawberry ice cream, blend strawberries until smooth, then mix with heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla. Chill for two-three hours. Churn both mixtures separately in ice cream makers. Layer vanilla and strawberry, swirling for a marbled effect. Freeze until fully set.
