Outdoor Entertaining: Founding Flavors Ice Cream Social
By Jean Miersch
What a great summer in America! We’re not just squeezing in one big birthday party on July 4th – we’re stretching the “America 250” celebrations into August for a summer-long party to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Technically, it’s our Semiquincentennial, and I do love words, but that is quite a mouthful, so I’ll stick with “America 250.” We Jersey girls (and guys) certainly have a place of honor here. As one of the original 13 colonies, our own hardworking New Jersey helped give us the freedoms we love, so let’s have a sweet celebration right here on Seven Mile Beach – one of the very best places in the state!
First, here’s a little ice cream history. Did you know ice cream has deep American roots? George Washington was a big fan and spent a small fortune on it in the 1790s. Thomas Jefferson (one of the original signers) even wrote his own recipe for vanilla ice cream. By the time of the Revolution, frozen treats were already a symbol of celebration — so our “America 250” ice cream social is carrying on a delicious tradition.
Now for the party. Host your gathering on the deck, patio, or lawn while the evenings are still warm and long. Keep the décor simple and coastal-patriotic: soft red, white, and blue bunting fluttering in the sea breeze, mason jars filled with late-summer wildflowers or beach grass and a few small American flags. My favorite decor this summer, though, is complements of Lina and Penny King. Recently, the grandkids are becoming quite the artists, so instead of constantly trying to keep the glass doors to my deck smudge-free, I just let the kids break out the chalk markers. This “America 250” theme is by far the best, and I get the entire summer out of it. I think a glass wall of chalk fireworks makes the perfect backdrop for my ice cream social.
Of course, the playlist is a given. Play gentle patriotic tunes in the background. I’ll set up the ice cream station under an awning, but an umbrella would serve the purpose, too, so everything stays cool, safe from hungry seagulls, and guests can serve themselves.
Keep it relaxed and fun for all ages: Guests build their own sundaes at the toppings bar (bonus points for the most creative “patriotic disaster”). Run a silly “Most Patriotic Creation” contest with prizes as simple as a jar of local honey or bragging rights. For the kids, let them continue with the chalk markers on the glass windows and doors or sidewalk, for drawing stars and stripes. Organize a quick “name that colony” trivia (with ice cream bribes, of course). End the evening with safe sparklers that make everyone feel like they’re 9 years old again.
For this menu everything can be prepped earlier in the day, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen. For the main event, set out a generous Founding Flavors Ice Cream Sundae Bar featuring classic vanilla (Thomas Jefferson would approve), strawberry made with peak summer fruit, bright blueberry-lemon, and maple walnut as a nod to our northern colonial friends. Of course, there must be chocolate because ... it’s chocolate.
Load the toppings bar with fresh strawberries and raspberries from the farmers market, local blueberries with a quick homemade blueberry sauce, fluffy whipped cream, toasted coconut, crushed shortbread cookies, mini chocolate stars, and a drizzle of local honey or caramel. Don’t forget the Signature Liberty Floats – made with root beer or ginger beer (a spicy, non-alcoholic soda with a refreshing kick from real ginger that was popular even in colonial times) poured over vanilla ice cream with a splash of blueberry sauce and a fresh berry on top for pure fireworks in a glass. Delicious. I have provided a handy list of ice cream Sunday bar offerings for easy shopping, but the topping possibilities are endless.
To balance all that sweetness, offer light savory snacks: refreshing watermelon-feta skewers, warm colonial-style corn muffins with butter and honey, and an easy grazing board of cheeses, summer sausage and meats, crackers, and some veggies and dip. Everything is make-ahead friendly so you can actually enjoy the party.
An August “America 250” Ice Cream Social is the perfect way to savor these last golden weeks of summer while honoring 250 years of American independence. It’s casual, ridiculously delicious, and full of the local flavors that make Seven Mile Beach feel like home. Whether it’s just your family or the whole neighborhood, you’ll end the night with sticky fingers, big smiles, sundae-sweet memories. Cheers, New Jersey! Here’s to a wonderful end of summer and to many more years of celebrating the ideals (and desserts) born in the original 13 colonies!
Quick Blueberry Sauce
(Make ahead – keeps beautifully in the fridge)
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh blueberries
¼ cup sugar (or to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
Combine everything in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. Cool completely before serving. Makes enough for 8-10 servings.
Colonial Style Corn Muffins
(Perfect for your America 250 ice cream social: warm, slightly sweet, and great with butter and honey)
Ingredients (makes 12 muffins):
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar (colonial versions were lightly sweetened; you can reduce to 2 tablespoons for a more authentic taste)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or lard for a more historical touch)
¼ cup honey (plus extra for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper cups. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (do not overmix; a few lumps are good). Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups (fill about three-quarters full). Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with plenty of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Tip: Make them ahead and warm gently before serving.
Watermelon Feta Skewers
Instructions:
Cube fresh local watermelon, alternate on skewers with chunks of feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. Drizzle lightly with lime juice just before serving.
Easy Grazing Board
Instructions:
Arrange local cheeses, sliced summer sausage, prosciutto, crackers, and vegetables with dip or humus on a large board.
Ice Cream Bar Items
Ice Cream Flavors (in containers/tubs):
Vanilla
Strawberry
Chocolate
(Optional extra: Any other favorites like cookies & cream or mint chip)
Toppings & Add-ins:
Fresh strawberries
Fresh blueberries
Whipped cream
Blueberry sauce
Chocolate sauce
Sprinkles (red, white & blue patriotic mix)
Maraschino cherries
Crushed nuts or other crunch (optional)
Small American flags for decorating
Drinks/Specialty:
Root beer floats (root beer + vanilla ice cream)
Ginger beer floats (ginger beer + ice cream)
Whipped cream and berries for topping
