By Judy Reed

“If you build it, they will come.” That iconic line from the movie “Field of Dreams”  came true for the new Cedar Springs Community Library at the kickoff of their Summer Reading program on Monday, June 12, when between 950 and 1,000 people attended the opening event.

“At the end of yesterday we had 920 people signed up for summer reading, which is 300 more sign-ups than we ever had over an entire summer, and 400 more people came in Monday than have in the past,” remarked Library Director Donna Clark.

Double K Petting Barn with Animal Junction 4H had their petting zoo set up out back, under a tree, near the creek. But the heat didn’t seem to deter people. In fact, children took the opportunity to splash in the creek, hang out on the bridge, and rest on the well. “It was so great seeing kids rediscovering the creek,” remarked Clark.

The Cedar Springs Fire Department also had an engine pulled out for the kids to explore. The ice cream cups provided by Kelly’s Restaurant were also a big hit. One of the biggest hits was the appearance of Ronald McDonald himself, who entertained kids first outside with a book and some magic tricks, then inside in the area around the fireplace. “He was so kind and so funny,” said Clark. “Kids were lined up to get their picture taken with him.”

June and July will be filled with reading and special events. The more hours a person reads (K-12) and the more books adults read, the better his/her chance is to win one of the prizes offered by 29 local businesses.

The last day to turn in reading logs is July 21. The program will end with a carnival at Morley Park on July 27, where the prizes will be given away. But kids in grades K-12 don’t have to wait until July 27 to win something—they win with every one of the five reading coupons turned in throughout the summer.

For a complete schedule of events, stop in and pick up a brochure at the library.

Animals from Double K Farm are always a hit at the kickoff of the Summer Reading program at the Cedar Springs Library. Courtesy photo.

Kids really enjoy the ice cream at the kickoff of the Summer Reading program. Courtesy photo.

The Cedar Springs Public Library was on fire with enthusiasm Monday, June 13, as the Library kicked off its spectacular Summer Reading Program. The clouds and brief rain could not dampen the spirits of the 625 participants of this community affair. Families made their way to the Library from noon to 6 p.m. to sign up for a summer of fun, reading, great programs and prizes. Themed book bags, compliments of ChoiceOne Bank, for K-12thgrades, were filled with reading logs and books, as patrons made their way out to the yard to climb aboard Fire Truck #8 and the Rescue Squad vehicle, get free ice cream donated by Classic Kelly’s Restaurant, purchase books from the Friends of the Library book sale, pet the animals from Double K Farm and interact with Animal Junction 4H students.

Community Partners were out in force for the day to assist –members of various businesses, Cedar Springs Fire department volunteers, teen volunteers, and parents working together with Library staff to make the day memorable. Already 753 children and adults have signed up, a new record for opening week.

Over $400 was taken in Monday as raffle tickets were sold to add to the $500+ already sold. A Stihl Blower and Trimmer, valued at over $700, and donated by Bill Shallman, Manager of Weingartz of Cedar Springs, were placed on display at Independent Bank and chances to support the building of the new Cedar Springs Community Library actively promoted by bank staff. Winners at the end of the day were Kenneth Kent, blower, and David Twining, trimmer. Kenneth bought 2 tickets and David $5 worth of tickets. I guess you really never know—it really could only take one ticket to win!

The new library was proudly displayed all day at the event. The brick, windows, roof—the outside make-up of the library was chosen last month by the Library Board, so the new rendering of the library was complete a few weeks ago. Library staff have been shared it enthusiastically to everyone! On June 27, the Library Board will vote on the building company who will get the contract to begin construction sometime around mid-July. Library staff had a great time telling families that next year we will have our summer reading program in our new library.

If you haven’t signed up, get on over to the Cedar Springs Library and sign up for over 35 great prizes and Wednesday weekly programs, plus 25 other special programs to happen for ages 8 through adults. Preschoolers have special programs on Fridays at 11:15 a.m. on the Library grounds, as well. For more information and a calendar of events, go to the Library’s website:  cedarspringslibrary.org. Follow our summer reading theme, Fitness and Nutrition. “On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!”

Free ice cream is always a hit at the opening of the Cedar Springs Public Library’s summer reading program. This little guy is enjoying his ice cream at last year’s opening day. Post photo by J. Reed.

Whether you are young or old, a parent or a grandparent, aunt, uncle or no relation at all…it’s time to get out to the Cedar Springs Public Library and get everyone signed up for this year’s annual Summer Reading Program! This year’s theme is “On your mark, get set, READ!” with a fitness and nutrition focus. A multitude of programs are scheduled from June 13 (opening day) to July 27 (the super fit field day carnival).

Opening day is from 12-6 p.m. You can pick up your free reading log, a free themed book bag, check out books, cool down with free ice cream, pet farm animals, and buys some used books from the Friends of the Library book sale.

The summer reading program includes events for every age group, babies to seniors, and every Wednesday there is a family program, with exciting presenters, starting on Wednesday, June 15, with the Flying Aces professional Frisbee team at 4 p.m. at Cedar Springs Middle School. Most other Wednesday programs are at 2 p.m. but check calendar for exact details on locations and times. They include Kalamazoo Nature Center, Our Amazing Universe, Hula Fit, Wolverine Skyhawks, Shake Rattle and Roll, and the grand finale super fit field day carnival.

Please check out calendar for days and times of other programs specifically for preschool, tweens, teens and adults.
From start to finish, you will want to participate all summer. Every week there will be special coupon prizes for our readers through 12th grade, such as free ice cream and other goodies for turning in your reading log, and you’ll also earn entries for bigger prizes given away at the end. Door prizes will also be given away at programs.

For more info on the summer reading program, visit the library’s website at http://cedarspringslibrary.org/news/summer-reading-program-2016/ and download the complete brochure, or call 696-1910.

Where can you save lives and eat ice cream?  Try to donate blood at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, 4085 Lutheran Church Road, on Wednesday, Aug. 3 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and you’ll be treated to an ice cream social.

“The summer months are the most difficult time for us to connect with donors,” said Nick Wasmiller, manager of public relations at Michigan Blood. “Yet, the need for blood is greatest during those times.  We hope that special incentives like the one at Mamrelund Lutheran Church will encourage donors to take a little time out of their day to give blood.”

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-866-MIBLOOD or visiting miblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.  Any healthy person who is at least 17 years of age and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Individuals who are 16 years old can donate with parental permission. Donors should remember to bring photo ID or two pieces of non-photo ID.

Ingrid Hoffmann

(Family Features)

Making homemade ice cream for friends and family is a sweet way to celebrate summer — and it’s easier than you might think.

Ingrid Hoffmann, host of the Cooking Channel’s “Simply Delicioso” and “Delicioso” on Telefutura/Univision, uses Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk as a fool-proof base for these easy-to-make, tropically-inspired frozen treats. You don’t even need an ice cream maker — your freezer does the work.

To help you make your summer entertaining even more delightful, Ingrid has some helpful tips:
—Create easy homemade artisan ice cream made fresh with new flavor combinations using berries, lemon, fresh mint, espresso, honey, fresh herbs or spices. Try the recipe for Fresh Fruit Ice Cream or Pineapple and Chipotle Ice Pops for a cool summer treat.

—For beautiful desserts with little prep work, try layering ice cream between prepared short bread cookies for a gourmet inspired ice cream sandwich or cake. For a real crowd pleaser, create a topping bar where guests can select the ice cream toppings of their choice. You could also serve as ice pops by freezing the ice cream mixture in molds and inserting wooden craft sticks in the center.

—Instead of serving in a traditional bowl, make a bowl out of your favorite summer fruit. Take half of a small cantaloupe, mini watermelon or pineapple, and scoop out the flesh. Then cut a flat edge off the bottom of the skin to make it stable. Fill it with your ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce and add other fun toppings.

Visit www.eaglebrand.com (and in Spanish at  www.marcaeagle.com) for more dessert recipes, as well as helpful baking and entertaining tips.

Orange Cream Granita

Orange Cream Granita

Yield: 4 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
3     cups orange juice
1     (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1     tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1     tablespoon grated orange peel
3/4     teaspoon rose water (optional)

Instructions

1. COMBINE orange juice, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, orange peel and rose water, if desired, in large bowl; mix well.

2. POUR into 9-inch square baking pan. Cover and freeze just until edges are frozen, about 1 1/2 hours. Using a fork, scrape frozen granita toward center to break up ice crystals. Pat mixture evenly into pan. Cover and freeze. Repeat every 30 minutes until granita is firm, about 4 hours.

Creamy Latte Pops

Creamy Latte Pops

Yield: 12 pops
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
1     (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
2     cups milk
1     cup heavy cream
1     tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Folgers Classic Roast® Instant Coffee Crystals
2     teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. BRING sweetened condensed milk to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, about 15 minutes or until very thick.

2. ADD milk, cream and coffee crystals slowly to saucepan on low heat, whisking until well blended. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

3. POUR 1/3 cup cooled mixture into each of 12 (3 oz.) disposable plastic cups or 12 (3 oz.) ice pop molds. Freeze until partially frozen, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Insert wooden craft sticks. Freeze until firm, about 6 hours or overnight.

TIP: To release from ice pop molds, dip quickly into warm water.

Pineapple and Chipotle Ice Pops

Pineapple and Chipotle Ice Pops

Yield: 8 to 10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
1     (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple in pineapple juice, undrained
1     (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
3/4     cup pineapple juice
1     tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4     teaspoon chipotle chile powder

Instructions

1. PLACE pineapple in food processor. Cover and process until pureed. Combine pureed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, pineapple juice, lime juice and chile powder in large bowl; mix well.

2. SPOON into 8 (4 oz.) plastic ice pop molds or 10 (3 oz.) wax-coated paper cups. If using paper cups, insert wooden craft stick into the center of each cup. Freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Fresh Fruit Ice Cream

Fresh Fruit Ice Cream

Yield: about 1 1/2 quarts / Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
1     (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1     tablespoon vanilla extract
1     cup pureed or mashed fresh fruit, such as peaches, strawberries, bananas and raspberries
Food coloring
2     cups (1 pint) heavy cream

Instructions

1. COMBINE sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in large bowl; stir in 1 cup pureed fruit and food coloring, if desired. Fold in 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream (do not use non-dairy whipped topping). Pour into 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or a 2-quart freezer container; cover. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.

Sunday, July 17 is national ice cream day

What do you think of when you think of summer? For many it’s the hot summer days, and a cool treat to beat the heat. Ice cream is a hit with all ages, and most people (and dogs!) love it from their very first taste.

Vanilla continues to be America’s flavor of choice in ice cream and novelties, in both supermarket and foodservice sales. This flavor is the most versatile, mixing well with toppings, drinks and bakery desserts. America’s top five favorite individual flavors are vanilla, chocolate, cookie ‘n cream, strawberry and chocolate chip mint.

However, ice cream flavors are only limited by the imagination. Manufacturers, scoop shops and chefs constantly come up with new and exciting flavors for their customers. To keep consumers looking to see what’s next in the freezer case, individual processors often release limited time “seasonal” flavors, such as gingerbread, peppermint or caramel ice cream for the November/December holidays.

Ice cream was first introduced here in American in the 1700s, although it was served at royal tables in Europe in the 15 and 1600s.

Wide availability of ice cream in the late 1800s led to new creations. In 1874, the American soda fountain shop and the profession of the “soda jerk” emerged with the invention of the ice cream soda. In response to religious criticism for eating “sinfully” rich ice cream sodas on Sundays, ice cream merchants left out the carbonated water and invented the ice cream “Sunday” in the late 1890s. The name was eventually changed to “sundae” to remove any connection with the Sabbath.
If all this talk of ice cream is making you want to head straight to the store or your favorite ice cream shoppe, try one of the sundae desserts on our recipe page.

If you have a favorite ice cream recipe you’d like to share with us, we’d love to print it. Just send it to news@cedarspringspost.com.

Mini Coffee Ice Cream Sundae

(Family Features)

Sundaes are sweet, but maybe it’s time for something sensational. Gale Gand, renowned pastry chef and mother of three, has partnered with Breyers to put a creative twist on the classic ice cream sundae.

Gand says that one of the secrets of a fantastic sundae is to start with high-quality ice cream as your base. “Even the most decadent sundae toppings can’t cover up a shortcut on ice cream,” said Gand. “Breyers ice cream is full of rich ingredients and flavor, and you have many great varieties to choose from.”

These recipes bring the simple sundae to a whole new level of goodness. From the kid-friendly Spaghetti and Meatballs Sundaes to the sophisticated Mini Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes, there’s something to please everyone.

To give you the scoop on making your best sundae, Gand has these 10 tips:

10 Tips for Sundae Making

1. Using store-bought ingredients makes sundae-making fast and easy. You can always doll things up, like dissolve some instant coffee in a little hot water and stir it into store-bought caramel sauce to make a coffee-caramel drizzle.
2. Using whole nuts and dried fruit for add-ins can give your sundae extra texture and a big crunch.
3. Roll scoops of ice cream in any kind of crumbs, crunched cereal or chocolate milk powder for an ice cream “truffle.”
4. Use mini containers like egg cups, espresso cups and cordial glasses to make mini sundaes.
5. Make a quickie fresh-fruit topping by mashing your favorite berries with a little white or brown sugar.
6. To keep your ice cream from melting as fast, freeze your sundae bowls or dessert dishes overnight.
7. To make your scoops more perfect-looking, dip your ice cream scoop in hot water in between scoops.
8. Use two or more flavors of ice cream in a sundae to add extra flavor and flair.
9. Simply tucking a cookie next to a scoop of ice cream, standing up, can really dress it up.
10. Create an exotic-looking sundae by using a wooden skewer to thread fruit onto, and then stick it into a scoop of ice cream. Use things like berries, ripe peach wedges and banana slices.
For more tips and recipes, visit www.breyers.com or www.facebook.com/breyers.

Mini Coffee Ice Cream Sundaes

4 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
2     cups Breyers Coffee ice cream
salted caramel sauce*
almond whipped cream**
1     shot espresso coffee
4     amaretti cookies
chocolate-covered coffee beans

Arrange 2 (1/4-cup) scoops ice cream in 4 demitasse coffee cups. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce, then top with almond whipped cream. Pour a little espresso into each cup, then garnish with cookies and coffee beans.

*For salted caramel sauce, bring 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to a boil over high heat in heavy-duty saucepan until caramel-colored. Remove from heat, then slowly stir in 1/2 cup whipping or heavy cream. Let cool, then stir in 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Let stand at room temperature until ready to use.

**For almond whipped cream, whip 1/2 cup whipping or heavy cream, 1 teaspoon sugar and 2 drops almond extract in mixing bowl with electric mixer until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to serve.

Snow Ball Sundaes

4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 30 minutes
2     cups Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream
8     slices (1-1/2 inches thick) store-bought angel food cake
1/4     cup hot fudge topping, warmed
1/2     cup marshmallow creme, melted*

chocolate sprinkles

Freeze plate 30 minutes. Make 4 (1/2-cup) scoops ice cream and arrange on chilled plate.

Place 1 ice cream ball on 1 cake slice, then top with second cake slice. Shape cake around ice cream to encase it, using your hands to completely cover ice cream. Return to freezer until ready to serve. Repeat with remaining ice cream and cake.

To serve, arrange snow balls in 4 dessert bowls. Top with hot fudge topping, then marshmallow creme and sprinkles.

*TIP: Easily melt marshmallow creme in a glass measuring cup in the microwave.

Spaghetti and Meatball Sundae

Spaghetti and Meatball Sundaes

4 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Freeze Time: 30 minutes
12     small scoops Breyers Rocky Road ice cream
1     cup chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
2     cups strawberries, trimmed
2     tablespoons sugar
1     cup Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream, divided
2     store-bought shortbread cookies, crushed

Freeze plate 30 minutes. For meatballs, arrange Rocky Road ice cream scoops on chilled plate. Place chocolate cookie crumbs on another plate. Roll scoops, one at a time, in cookie crumbs, then return to chilled plate until ready to serve.

For sauce, mash strawberries with sugar in medium bowl using potato masher or fork to make chunky sauce. Stir in additional sugar if desired.

To build sundaes, press vanilla ice cream through potato ricer* into 4 dessert bowls for spaghetti. Top each with 3 meatballs, then sauce. Top with crushed shortbread cookie cheese. Serve with a fork!

*If a potato ricer is not available, simply scoop ice cream into bowls.

Ice Cream Lollipops

Ice Cream Lollipops

8 lollipops
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 30 minutes
2     cups Breyers Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream
chocolate-fudge flavor ice cream topping that freezes
pink or rainbow sprinkles

Freeze plate 30 minutes. Scoop 8 balls ice cream and place on chilled plate. Insert a wooden stick into each ball and freeze at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour ice cream topping into bowl. Dip frozen balls into ice cream topping, twirling to coat. Quickly decorate with sprinkles. Keep frozen until ready to serve.