As the World Churns: Ice Cream Heaven at Home

July is a month of unbearable stickiness. The stifling heat and humidity brings one inescapable form, but there is also another with more delicious character resulting from July also being National Ice Cream Month. Like most people, I prefer the stickiness that comes at the end of a delicious cup or cone. Though I am sadly lactose intolerant, it does not stop me from stealing a spoonful from my friends every now and again. Brooklyn has many excellent options for a heat-beating scoop and Brooklyn Public Library has even more options for escaping the heat altogether with a good book and an air conditionined room. So, for those who tend to wilt, consider engaging in ice cream heaven at home with one of our fine cookbooks, most of which--fortunately for me--offer non-dairy options! Hopefully they will inspire you to try a recipe or two or to get a scoop at your local ice cream shop.

Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America journalist/author Amy Ettinger, like many other humans throughout the world, is obsessed with ice cream. So much so in fact, that she decided to write a whole book about it. Packed with humorous personal and historical anecdotes, this book is a fun and informative read! Keep an eye out for her recipes too!

The Perfect Scoop, Revised and Updated: 200 Recipes for Ice Creams, Sorbets, Gelatos, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments Professional cook and baker David Lebovitz was inspired to write a book about frozen desserts after teaching a cooking class. In this cookbook, there’s a recipe for everyone! Never made ice cream before? Start with his chapter on the basics. Lactose-intolerant? Take a look at his sherbet, sorbet and granita recipes. The vibrant and appetizing photos will make your mouth water. An added bonus -- most of the recipes require ten ingredients or less!

Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop, by pastry chef Dana Cree, is great for science lovers and ice cream makers of all experience levels! Cree deftly breaks down each ingredient used and explains how they work together. Looking to try something different? Try her Toasted Hay or Pumpkin-Sage ice cream recipes. Not a fan of ice cream? Check out her sherbet and frozen yogurt recipes. There’s something for everyone!

Ample Hills Creamery: Secrets and Stories from Brooklyn's Favorite Ice Cream Shop is written by Brian Smith, one of the founders of Brooklyn-based Ample Hills Creamery. This adorable cookbook pairs quirky illustrations and photographs with their beloved ice cream recipes and is a great pick if you’d like your young ones to join you in the kitchen. While some of the recipes are definitely more unique or “out there,” you can also find classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate and my personal favorite, strawberry!

Mexican Ice Cream: Beloved Recipes and Stories by Fany Gerson might be small, but it’s chock full of beautiful photographs, personal stories, and delicious recipes for both ice cream and sorbet lovers. Many of the recipes feature ingredients local to Mexico, such as quince and nopales (or cactus paddles), but can still be found in Latin- American markets. Gerson even includes a brief history of Mexican ice cream. If you’re planning to visit Mexico, be sure to take her list of recommended places to eat with you!

Jess Gafkowitz is a young adult librarian at Brooklyn Public Library. Born and raised in Brooklyn, she spent much of her childhood reading and attending programs at her local branch. While an avid reader, she also enjoys walking in the park, watching documentaries, eating dumplings, and unsuccessfully cuddling her toothless cat.