Okay, so you have been playing safely outside all day (see Sparky’s News for tips on keeping safe this summer) and you are so hot your spots are running. Why not make your own ice cream to cool off? In a few easy steps, you’ll be cooler than cool.

What you need: 1 large Ziploc bag (one gallon), 1 small Ziploc bag (one quart), 1/4 cups of ice, 1/4 cup salt, 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons sugar, cups and spoons

What to do:

• Pour the milk, vanilla extract, and sugar into the small Ziploc bag. Squeeze as much air out as possible and seal the bag carefully.
  
• Place the small Ziploc bag inside the large bag. Cover with ice and salt. Seal the large bag tightly.
  
• Shake, toss, and flip the “ice cream machine” for two to 10 minutes (when it looks like soft-serve ice cream you know it’s ready). If the bag gets too cold to hold, wrap it with a towel or pass it from person to person.
  
• Open both bags and spoon the ice cream into small cups.
• EAT! EAT! EAT!
  

(PS – Make a Dalmatian ice cream cup by adding chocolate chips or sprinkles for the spots, bite-sized Oreos for the ears and a cherry for the nose.)

My friend Derek and his mom show us how it’s done because dogs aren’t supposed to eat ice cream
(it gives us bellyaches).

Hey Kids! Get the lowdown on Fire Prevention Week 2002, "Team Up for Fire Safety™." Be the first on your block to get the goods. I’ve got tons of fun things up my sleeve (or under my spots). Keep checking my Web site in the coming months for more details and check out the way cool Fire Prevention Week Web site.