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Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches with Grandchildren

There is definitely a theme in this Grandma’s recipe posts. The majority of the recipes to make with grandchildren are desserts. Of course! What more than sweets brings an instant smile to a grandchild’s face. Making sweets together with a grandchild is a perfect activity. As always, Grandma can choose to make it many activities by making a list and going to the supermarket to buy the ingredients with the grandchild, researching on the internet, as well as making the recipe.


We can research the history of ice cream and talk about how long ago people enjoyed ice cream. On the website About.com, we learn the history of ice cream and how it got his name to share with grandchildren:


The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (A.D. 37-68) who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings, and King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China who had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions. Ice cream was likely brought from China back to Europe. Over time, recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices evolved and served in the fashionable Italian and French royal courts.


After the dessert was imported to the United States, it was served by several famous Americans. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson served it to their guests. In 1700, Governor Bladen of Maryland was recorded as having served it to his guests. In 1774, a London caterer named Philip Lenzi announced in a New York newspaper that he would be offering for sale various confections, including ice cream. Dolly Madison served it in 1812.

The first ice cream parlor in America opened in New York City in 1776. American colonists were the first to use the term “ice cream”. The name came from the phrase “iced cream” that was similar to “iced tea”. The name was later abbreviated to “ice cream” the name we know today.


With summer here, a great treat is to make home made ice cream sandwiches with grandchildren. We can even be proud at how patriotic we are with the first ice cream parlor in the United States in 1776 after celebrating July 4th!

Start with the cookie: You can either start with a favorite cookie recipe or buy a favorite cookie. You can use brownies baked in a larger pan so they are thinner.


Choose an ice cream: To make less of a mess, this Grandma recommends selecting among the many choices of three ounce Dixie cup sizes. They come in vanilla and chocolate, of course. But, now premium ice creams, such as Ben and Jerry’s, also makes the 3.6 ounce size of their varied flavors. This is a great way to expand grandchildren’s palates. Let them pick a 3.6 ounce size of a Ben and Jerry’s flavor they have never tasted. Children are more apt to try a new sweet than a new vegetable!


The ice cream should be softened. You can put it in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. If using a quart, soften in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. But, before you soften, choose Mix-ins:


Choose mix-ins. Have you ever been to Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Parlor? They mix all kinds of things into softened ice cream. So can we at home. We can add sprinkles, chocolate chips, mini M &Ms and even fruit preserves. We can pour caramel or fudge on top of the ice cream before we top it with another cookie.


Take pictures. Of course, take pictures as the ice cream sandwiches are being assembled and when each grandchild has finished his or her masterpiece. Make sure Grandma is in the pictures too for the grand children’s annual photo album from Grandma.

Freeze. Wrap the ice cream sandwich in plastic wrap. Freeze the sandwiches for an hour or two. To serve, leave out for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.


This is a great afternoon activity. Remember it will take about 20-30 minutes to assemble and it will need to freeze for about an hour. Then it will be ready for dessert first before dinner when parents are not around! Sweets and spoiling with




Joy,



Mema

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