So many sweet options on National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

To observe National Chocolate Ice Cream Day today, June 7, all you need is chocolate ice cream. Who says you have to stop there, though? You can have it in a cone or dish from an ice cream store, or make it from scratch. Add sprinkles and syrup or whipped cream and sprinkles, always with sprinkles.

National Day Calendar says chocolate ice cream is the second most common flavor, surpassed only by vanilla. Chocolate-flavored ice cream has been in existence for well more than a hundred years and has been popular in the United States since the late 19th century.

Cocoa powder is blended in with eggs, cream, vanilla, and sugar to make chocolate ice cream. The cocoa powder is what gives the ice cream a brown color. Other flavors, such as rocky road or triple chocolate chunk, use chocolate ice cream in their creation, and then there are other add-ins such as peanut butter, mint, raspberries, cherries and caramel, and the list goes as far as your imagination will take you.

A little history: Before 1692, vanilla was considered to be the most popular ice cream flavor, according to Days of the Year, but ever since the Italians froze hot chocolate in 1692, chocolate ice cream has been a close contender.

I really like chocolate ice cream with peanut butter or rocky road ice cream. They both have unique flavors all their own, but it all starts with chocolate ice cream. I think I will treat myself with some today.

Father's Day is in a week and a half. Time is a-wastin’, so get planning in earnest if you haven't already. Treat dad to his favorite meal — maybe chocolate ice cream served over a Twinkie for dessert — let him have complete control of the TV remote and, if he falls asleep in his chair and starts snoring, no photo postings, no TikTok videos. Let dear old Dad enjoy one day without nagging and dad shaming. And, yes, you must laugh at his "dad" jokes, no matter how corny they are.

However, this is an opportunity to get those family photos taken — a generation photo, or all individuals, all the separate families, the whole clan, etc. You never know when you will need those photos, so what better day than Father's Day when everyone is together and happy, and the sun is shining?

For activities, maybe take dad out to watch a movie; go fishing, boating or golfing; or visit a shooting range. Some dads just may want to do nothing, and that is okay; it is their day to do what they want. And some dads just want time with their children – something to think about. I have not a clue what my children are planning for Don, so it will be a surprise to both of us.

Holiday countdown: 11 days until Father's Day, 27 days until Independence Day, 63 days until the 2023-24 high school year starts, 89 days until Labor Day, 95 days until Grandparents Day, 96 days until Patriot's Day (remembering 9/11), 108 days until the autumnal equinox, 146 days until Halloween, 157 days until Veterans Day, 169 days until Thanksgiving, 200 shopping days until Christmas, and 207 days until the year 2024. There you have it; now you are prepared to plan the rest of 2023.

Recipe of the day: Banana Split

Flower of the day: Violas

Dates to remember:

June 14 — Flag Day

June 18 — Father's Day

June 19 — Juneteenth, a state and federal holiday

June 21 — Summer solstice

July 4 — Independence Day

Until next week — be strong, be courageous and make a memory.

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