real estate adviser: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream 🍦

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

As a recovering lactose intolerant individual, I have to say that the food that was hardest to give up during this 15-year period in life was ice cream. Particularly milkshakes! With all of the varieties that can be whipped up—toffee and salted caramel milkshakes, cookies and cream milkshakes, and the classic chocolate milkshake with malted powder—a good milkshake was my kryptonite.

Let it be known that I still ate ice cream during my lactose intolerant years. It was hard to avoid this delightful dairy temptation, as my first job was actually at an ice cream parlor in Jersey. (Should have known a career in food was destined to be my future!) It's just that I was a little worse for wear as a result. And I regret nothing!

With unlimited access to a variety of decadent ice cream flavors at the tip of my scoop, I indulged in everything ice cream-related, from traditional Rocky Road served in a hand crafted cone, to the classic root beer float, to handmade ice cream cakes. (Those delightful cookie crumbles between ice cream layers were my favorite part!) Thankfully, after this 15-year ordeal, my lactose intolerance faded away on its own.

Now, with the summer right around the corner, I've got a hankering to make my own ice cream at home. (Is getting yourself an ice cream maker for a housewarming gift too much…?)

This year I see scoops of rich vanilla, luscious chocolate, colorful ube, floral kulfi, and savory everything bagel ice cream in my future. Topped with salted caramel sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, and gummy bears, and I'll be ready to host an ice cream sundae party fit for a queen. A perfect celebration for our (fingers crossed) post-Covid summer!

Not feeling the gravitational pull to make your ice cream at home? Here are the 10 best mail-order ice creams that can get delivered straight to your doorstep. Or, if you're out and about, stop by one of these top 20 Instagram-worthy ice cream shops in your neighborhood.

What is your favorite ice cream treat that you're stoked to devour this summer? Let us know on Instagram @thespruceeats.

- Victoria Heydt
Editorial Project Manager, The Spruce Eats