The Sweetest Start To Summer With Hudsonville Ice Cream

Hi Loves! I have a question for you. When you think of a quintessential, All American summer, what comes to mind? Is it days spent on the lake, letting your skin get the perfect shade of pink? Is it nights by the fire with endless stars above you? Maybe it’s the BBQs, the beers, and the yard games while country music blares out of waterproof speakers. 

Ugh. Just thinking about these perfect summer activities has me craving days on Lake Michigan and evenings around the campfire. You know what else it has me craving? 

Ice Cream. 

Name a more iconic summer treat. You can’t! It just wouldn’t be summer without it. And we are just days away from the unofficial start of summer in Michigan. Memorial Day Weekend brings us beach walks, bonfires, boat rides and BBQs. 

There is nothing I love more in the summertime than a sweet treat, and I ALWAYS volunteer to bring dessert to every BBQ I’m invited to. And this summer? This summer, I’m teaming up with Hudsonville Ice Cream to bring you TWO dessert recipes that will be the shining stars of any summer cookout you’re invited to! 

This year, Hudsonville Ice Cream literally put the taste of summer in cartons with their two new Limited Edition flavors, American Fireworks and Blueberry Graham Delight! The former tastes like the Fourth of July with its sweet and sour ice cream, sour cherry swirl and blue popping candy! And Blueberry Graham Delight? Well it tastes like my grandma’s no-bake blueberry cheesecake. Seriously. They both taste like sweet summertime. 

These simple, sweet recipes are perfect for a crowd and will be different than anything anyone else brings to the party. So grab your scoops and get ready. Today, we’re making Fireworks Floats and Deep Fried Ice Cream! 

Fireworks Floats 

Okay. To be fair, this isn’t a groundbreaking recipe. But my goodness is it delicious! Turns out that a simple Shirley Temple only needs a little Hudsonville Ice Cream on top to take it from ordinary to extraordinary! Here’s what you’ll need. 

Shopping List 

• 1.5 Cups Ginger Ale (We like Vernors.) 
• 1.5 Cups Lemon Lime Pop (We like Sprite.)
• 4 tsp Grenadine 
• Limited Edition Hudsonville American Fireworks ice cream

Directions

1. Grab four glasses (I like using mason jars!) and divide your pop up evenly between them. Leave PLENTY of space at the top for ice cream! 
2. Top each drink off with one teaspoon of grenadine. 
3. Add a scoop (or two) of Limited Edition American Fireworks ice cream! Beware! It will bubble up as soon as the ice cream and soda combine! (I made a massive mess because I didn’t leave enough space at the top the first time I made these!)
4. Enjoy!

So easy, right?! I still can’t quite believe that something so simple can taste so dang good. Next up, it’s time to make some deep fried ice cream! 

Deep Fried Ice Cream 

I know… deep fried ice cream sounds intimidating. And I know you’re wondering how you could possibly cook this for a crowd. But guys, it’s SO easy and this is the best dessert I’ve ever made. No joke. Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect summer treat! 

Shopping List

• 1 cup Crushed Graham Crackers 
• Loaf of Brioche Bread (or Cinnamon Bread)
• 1 cup Cinnamon and Sugar mixture (1:3 ratio)
• Cooking Oil
• Limited Edition Hudsonville Blueberry Graham Delight ice cream

Directions

1. Place a cookie sheet in the freezer 1 hour prior to starting.
2. Scoop ice cream into balls.  Any size you desire will work. 
3. Place balled ice cream on the pre-cooled cookie sheet and return to the freezer for at least 1 hour. 
4. While your ice cream is in the freezer, cut the crusts off your bread. 
5. Remove ice cream from the freezer. Working quickly, and one at a time, roll the ice cream balls in the crushed graham crackers.  
6. Wrap the graham cracker coated ice cream in a slice of brioche bread. The larger the ball may require more bread. The object is to completely cover the ice cream in bread. Pinch seams to seal. When all ice cream balls are covered in bread, place back on the cookie sheet and return to the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
7. Add enough vegetable oil to a Dutch oven so that it is about 2 inches deep. Heat on medium high to 350°F.
8. Gently add one ice cream ball to the hot oil. Only cook one at a time. Turn the ball so that it cooks evenly. When all sides are golden brown, remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain.  
9. While still hot, roll the ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Continue with each ball until all are fried. 
10.  Top with your favorite toppings (we like blueberry sauce!) and serve immediately! 

And if you want to top it off with something extra sweet, try my dad’s Blueberry Coulis! Not only is the perfect addition to my Deep Fried Ice Cream, but it’s super yummy on pancakes too 🙂 

Shopping List 

• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions 

1. Add all ingredients to a sauce pan and heat on medium high heat. 
2. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes or until blueberries become very soft and have released their juice. 
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 
4. Blend blueberry mixture until smooth. 
5. Strain the mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

And guys… that’s it! Two super simple recipes to bring along with you to every BBQ you attend, all summer long! 

Have I inspired you to make a sweet summer treat this Memorial Day Weekend? Well my loves, today is your lucky day! Just when you thought your ice cream days were behind you, my friends at Hudsonville came through with a $3 off coupon for any two flavors of your choice! Run, don’t walk to Meijer! (Click here to use the Scoop Locator to find it at a grocery store near you!)  Can’t find it anywhere close to you? Hudsonville Ice Cream has an online store so you can buy your favorite flavors right from your couch! Not only can you buy their delicious ice cream, you can buy my ice cream scoop or the apparel you saw Trev and me rocking all last year! 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to pack my cooler. The long weekend is calling and I must go! Have a fun and safe MDW everyone! I’ll be back on Tuesday.

Xx.
Savannah 

*This post was sponsored by Hudsonville Ice Cream. But as always, all opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting the brands I love that help to make Savannah Said It possible.