I relive summer childhood memories every year by making ice cream with the family. There arenít too many activities that recall a simpler time than stirring together a favorite batch of ice cream. Today, though, I pour my ice cream mix into an electric freezeróbut if you have a hand-crank model, thatís lots of fun, especially for the kids.

Share the fun and pass along a cold culinary tradition that brings the family together. Your ice cream making can be a real team activity:

€ Have the kids stir together the ice cream mix.

€ If youíre using a hand-crank ice cream maker, take turns turning the handle.

€ Have someone chill bowls and spoons.

€ Set out a variety of toppingsóthe skyís the limit! Chocolate sauce, sprinkles, marshmallow topping, toasted coconut, cookie crumbs and fresh berries.

€ Invite the neighbors!

Ice cream is a simple mix of cream and sugar with any flavoring desired, such as extracts of vanilla, peppermint, lemon or orange. Fresh or frozen fruit in the ice cream mix is also a delight, making use of seasonal berries or peaches.

My favorite ice cream recipes call for evaporated milk because it is creamy with a pleasant caramelized taste. Plus it is blissfully lower in fat than heavy cream or half-and-half.

Evaporated milk is a smart ingredient to keep on the pantry shelf, as itís a suitable substitute in any recipe that calls for half-and-half. Evaporated milk adds a smooth texture and rich creamy taste to recipes yet it has less fat than half-and-half.

And whether Iím using this perfect milk for cooking everyday dinners from creamy soups and casseroles to mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, or special desserts like pies, fudge or ice cream. I count on evaporated milk to give my cooking that special ìhomemadeî taste.

For family fun in the kitchen, and for recipes that are always irresistible, visit www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Strawberry Ice Cream

(Makes about 1 1/2 quarts, twelve 1/2 cup servings)

2 cups unsweetened thawed, frozen strawberries*

2 cans (12 fl. ounces each) Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon salt

PLACE strawberries in food processor fitted with blade; cover. Pulse until strawberries are small pieces.

COMBINE evaporated milk, strawberries with their juice, sugar, lemon juice and salt in large bowl. Pour into ice cream machine container. Follow manufacturerís instruction for preparation.

€ Any frozen fruit or berry may be used. If using sweetened frozen fruit or berries, reduce sugar to 1/2 cup.

Nutrition Information per serving: 180 calories; 35 calories from fat; 4 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 20 mg cholesterol; 80 mg sodium; 34 g carbohydrate; <1 g fiber; 32 g sugars; 4 g protein; 15% calcium

Jenny Harper is Senior Culinary Specialist for VeryBestBaking.com.