Dip It!

With the right tool, a bit of parental guidance, and a go-for-it attitude, dipping ice cream is a cinch. Here's the scoop on scooping.

• Choose a sturdy ice-cream scoop with an easy-grip, nonslip handle.
  
• Slightly softened, pliable ice cream is the easiest to dip. Allow the container of ice cream to sit out on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping. If the outside temperature is super hot, let ice cream soften in the refrigerator, instead.
  
• For an effortless release, first dip a scoop into warm water, shake it off, then dip it into ice cream. Dip into water between scoops.

Brown Sugar Ice Cream
Peaches add a fruity flavor to this luscious ice cream. Fresh peaches are best, but you can use one 16-ounce package of frozen unsweetened peach slices, thawed and chopped

Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Indulge in a homemade ice cream that rivals premium brands for richness and flavor. You may use real vanilla bean or substitute vanilla extract.

Mint-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Evaporated low-fat milk gives extra richness and creaminess to this ice cream. Use a small ice-cream scoop to make several tiny scoops for a dainty ice-cream dish. It will trick you into thinking you are having a lot.

Taffy Apple Ice Cream
Granny Smith or other tart apples work best in this flavorful ice cream. Make it ahead of time for a quick and easy dessert.

Frozen Cranberry Pie
This five-ingredient ice cream pie takes just minutes to assemble. Stir a can of cranberry sauce and a little orange peel into softened ice cream and spoon into pie plate lined with cookie crumbs.