Sure, it’s winter. Sure, it’s cold out. Ice cream desserts are great any time of year, though. You do not have to neglect your favorites just because the temperature dips below 30 degrees. That, plus I am craving ice cream this week. Magic Shell rules in my house, just like it did in the 80’s. For a more sophisticated approach, here are a few of my favorite ways to throw together an ice cream dessert.

1.    Loaf of Yum: Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap while softening ice cream on your kitchen counter. Fill loaf pan approximately ¼ full with ice cream and re-freeze. Repeat with 3 more flavors, re-freezing after each. When you are ready to serve, simply turn out onto a platter and remove the wrap. 

2.    Ice Cream Pie: There are so many different recipes for this. All basically have a crust of cookie crumbs and are filled with softened ice cream. Slice some bananas or strawberries on top, drizzle with hot fudge sauce and re-freeze.  

3.    Milkshakes: There is something especially fun about making milkshakes at home. You can add virtually any add-ins you want. Healthy fruit and soy or almond milks work great but you can also add a variety of ice cream flavors, syrups and sodas.

4.    The Classic Ice Cream Sandwich: Again, the recipe can be jazzed up a number of different ways. Just soften ice cream and spread a good, thick layer between two cookies or graham crackers of your choosing. Wrap individually, re-freeze and be prepared to be named the Queen of Desserts.

5.    Banana Split: There is nothing new or original to report in the banana split world, but, as a parent, I can assure you that getting your kids to eat all that potassium while scarfing down ice cream is a good feeling. Toss in some froze blueberries, if you can. Hide them under the chocolate syrup and rack up some antioxidant points, too.