July is National Ice Cream Month

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - We have the scoop on how July became known as National Ice Cream Month in the United States.

According to Ice-Cream-Recipes.com , former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the special month back in 1984.

And, because ice cream is consumed by more people in the United States than in any other country in the world, the third Sunday of the month – this year, July 18, 2010 – has been dubbed National Ice Cream Day.

More attention is focused on the sweet dairy treat during the month of July in America, where ice cream is enjoyed so much.

The International Diary Food Association reports that Reagan recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by 90 percent of the country's population.

He urged Americans to celebrate the events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities," including making their own ice cream.

A popular recipe for the famous '30s British ice cream parlor dessert, the Knickerbocker Glory, can be found here .

Old favorites include sundaes, root beer floats, banana splits, milkshakes, pie a la mode and classic ice cream cones.

To add to the fun, try throwing a "build-your-own sundae" party. You could tempt guests to top off their ice cream treats with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, fresh fruit, cookie crumbs and a cherry.

Or if you're counting calories and prefer to celebrate with a movie, check out the 1931 Laurel & Hardy ice cream comedy, "Come Clean."