It has been scorching here in Oklahoma — highs over 110°F for days — and the heat is relentless. Walking from the car to the door feels like a sauna session, and anything that adds heat indoors is out of the question. With a burn ban in effect, grilling is off, and turning on the oven is unthinkable. So what’s a pregnant woman (or anyone trying to stay cool) to do? Break out the ice cream maker.
Homemade ice cream is one of the best ways to beat the heat. It’s fresher, customizable, and ready quickly if you have a good recipe. Below is a curated list of ice cream flavors — some from my own collection and others from trusted recipe sites — that are perfect for cooling down on a sweltering day.
Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Homemade Butterfinger Ice Cream
Homemade Low-Fat Vanilla
Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip
Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream (no machine) on Kevin & Amanda
Blueberry Muffin Ice Cream on Simply Stated (Real Simple)
Mocha Madness on King Arthur Flour
Blackberry Ice Cream on TomaytoTomaaahto
While the ice cream maker churns, you can relax and enjoy the cool aroma of homemade treats. I recently tried Caramel Apple Ice Cream from Braum’s and loved it — it’s definitely on my homemade list next.
What about you? What’s your favorite ice cream flavor to make or enjoy on a hot day?
Check out our Products list for tools and services that make cooking (and ice cream making) easier: Mommy Hates Cooking Products and Services.
Looking for more ideas? Browse the Recipe Index for countless recipes.