Celebrate National Ice Cream Month

As if you needed a reason other than the heat to eat more ice cream, July is officially designated National Ice Cream Month. You’re running out of time to celebrate this, the tastiest of government calendar designations, but don’t worry: Baton Rouge is laden with places to indulge your sweet tooth. Here are just four ways to stay cool and sweet through the end of July. (Photo by Dave Gallent)

Gelato at Latte e Miele: This delicious Italian take on everyone’s favorite frozen dessert isn’t a hard sell. It’s more intensely-flavored than regular ice cream and less fattening as well. Latte e Miele on Highland Road makes their own gelato daily from fresh, local ingredients, and proprietor Corrado Di Martino doesn’t hesitate to espouse it as a healthier alternative to the commercial stuff. We dare you to drive by.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt: This hip frozen yogurt franchise just opened up in The Boulevard at Mall of Louisiana and is already attracting big crowds with its unique style of service. Simply pick from any one of their constantly rotating selection of flavors and toppings, weigh the results, and pay at the register. Have it exactly your way, every time.

Kleinpeter ice cream: Prefer your ice cream dine-in style? The South Louisiana dairy rolled out some experimental new flavors earlier this year, some of which are still on shelves. Flavors like “sweet potato pie” and “Gold Brick” use local ingredients to create a taste that’s uniquely Louisianan. Read more about Kleinpeter’s tasty new forays into gourmet frozen treats here.

Eastern flavors: If even Kleinpeter’s offerings can’t tempt you, perhaps you’d prefer more exotic fare. Lots of local Japanese restaurants serve ice cream varieties straight from the land of the rising sun, such as the red bean, or “azuki” flavor. No, not the same red bean we southerners are familiar with—this bean is smaller and has a flavor that’s pure cotton candy goodness. Ichiban’s version, chock full of the sweet little legumes, is a particular delight.