MSI Press Blog

  National Ice Cream Day always feels like a holiday that doesn’t need convincing. It’s mid‑July, the sun is high, and the freezer door gets opened more often than the front door. But the day isn’t just about cones and sprinkles — it’s a reminder that ice cream is one of the few foods that has gone truly global. Every region, every climate, every culture has found a way to make something cold, sweet, and celebratory. 🍨 Regional Ice Cream Traditions Across the U.S. Ice cream in America isn’t monolithic. It’s a patchwork of regional styles shaped by climate, agriculture, and local taste. New England: Dense, creamy, unapologetically rich. New England ice cream is famously high‑fat and slow‑churned, giving it that “chew.” Flavors like Maple Walnut , Grape‑Nut , and Coffee Milk (Rhode Island’s pride) reflect the region’s pantry. Midwest: Dairy country indulgence. Wisconsin’s frozen custard — silky, egg‑rich, and served fresh from the machine — is practically a religion. Michigan...

  (The divine works in mysterious ways. I was looking at the mountains this morning. I don't know exactly what I was looking for, but I thought that was the place to look. And then this came up in my memories. It was the first piece I had published in a newspaper following the book [ A Theology for the Rest of Us ]. Besides the comforting thought, I had the distinct impression the divine was stifling a laugh.) When young children are hurt or sad, they want a kiss to make it better. Or a hug. Yes, hugs can work well, too. And ice cream. Ice cream is the best. As adults, however, we know that whatever the injury or problem, kissing it is not going to make anything better. It is ironic that there is so much pop psychology advice that, especially in times of crisis, we need to connect with our inner child. Idyllic notions of childhood aside, the truth is that childhood is often about feeling powerless and ever so small. There is a reason why children are so taken with dinosaurs. Dinosa...