National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

There is something about a “national day” that involves delicious desserts that makes me feel like it’s a MUST to celebrate! Today is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. You feel like giving it your full support, don’t you? 🙂

Well, lucky for you I’ve got two solutions.

The first is if you’re in a hurry today and don’t have time for baking or ice cream making, but you want to join in on the fun. I shared this idea a few weeks ago in my post about our Teddy Bear Picnic. It’s simple to put together, sweet, creamy and delicious. How can you beat that?

Behold:

Top a store bought ice cream sandwich with a dollop of whipped topping and a heavy drizzle of caramel sauce and you’re all set!

If you are feeling like Betty Crocker today, then you’re in luck because I have a dessert that will satisfy both your sweet and salty sides.

I call them PB&J Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are made with two homemade peanut butter cookies and a scoop of homemade fresh strawberry ice cream. Yum!

It was so good. I literally licked the plate (don’t worry, I looked around to make sure no one was watching when I did it). The peanut-buttery cookies were slightly salty and still warm from the oven and the fresh, creamy, sweet ice cream was just starting to melt. I rolled the sides in a few chopped peanuts to add an extra bit of crunch and saltiness. It was heaven. I’m not joking (would I ever joke about desserts?!!).

Peanut Butter Cookies
½ tsp. vanilla
1 c. butter
1 c. peanut butter (I prefer chunky)
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. baking soda

Cream together butter, peanut butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs. Sift all dry ingredients together and add mixing well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Bake 375 for 10 minutes. 

I made the ice cream in my new Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet maker with a recipe that came in the box. It has a canister that you freeze 24 hours in advance and then you add your ingredients, mix for 15 minutes and you have the soft, creamy, sweet ice cream! I’ve made 5 batches in 2 weeks (this could be my downfall)!

So, go with the quick route or get baking – either way, make sure you celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day!

And, for more ideas on turning an Ice Cream Sandwich into a buffet for a wedding, large party or other event – check this out!