July is National Ice Cream Month, and when it's this hot outside, few sources of refreshment are as appealing. Ice cream is also well-suited for the relaxed, often celebratory mood of the season. We've worked hard all these months, and ice cream - like the pool, the hammock or the beach vacation - is our reward. [caption id="attachment_24324" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Boston College High School"][/caption] Best of all, ice cream is an affordable treat for the whole family. Each year, on average, Americans consume about 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream. Vanilla is the most popular flavor according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). To learn more about ice cream, its history and cultural significance, and find recipes for ice cream treats you can make at home, visit the IDFA website. Enjoy!