The best summer memories I recall as a kid were at the family farm. The endless activities included swimming in the cow tank, learning to drive the pickup in the field, and walking (rather running) barefoot a quarter of a mile down the road to the little grocery store on the corner.
The only worthy treat in the heat of summer comes in a frozen form. At least it starts frozen. For us kids the only reason to burn our little feet on the sizzling asphalt was to get to those wonderful popsicles at Sheets Grocery. They were all of ten cents, they were made with artificial flavoring, and they started melting the minute the wrappers were stripped off. They were the cheapest, low grade treat around, but in our minds they were the best dime ever spent in the heat of summer.
I was a loyalist, I stuck to banana popsicles every time. When others would coax me to try another flavor, I would not give in. Even with the intriguing mix of ice cream and orange juice, that great combination of sweet cream and sour citrus formed into a Dreamsicle, I held my ground.
Now, years later, I wish I had given the cream and citrus blend a try. To think of all those years I missed out on such a perfectly cool combination. Even the aroma of a Dreamsicle is dreamy. And the color, it’s a beautiful almost-there orange. Not bold and in your face, but creamy and soft. No wonder it’s called a Dreamsicle.
Well, I don’t eat a lot of Dreamsicles even now. However, I have been making up for lost time with my own little treat in a cup using that same basic mix of dairy (I should say nondairy) and citrus. Mine is not one of those amazing smoothy recipes with a fancy blender and ten minutes of clean up. Nope, my is quick, and easy, and all about the flavor. It’s not exactly healthy and it’s not at all gourmet, but it makes me happy and it’s delightful!
It is the Sheri Berry Dreamy Delight and it’s made with only two ingredients. One is orange juice, either premixed or from concentrate, either will do. The other is liquid nondairy creamer by Coffee-mate. We are talking the regular french vanilla flavor, not the fat-free, not the sugar-free, not even the new natural choice.
To make this Julia only wishes she’d come up with it recipe ;) just fill a juice glass nearly full with orange juice and add a couple of tablespoons (maybe more) of creamer, mix it together with only a spoon and enjoy. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s delightfully refreshing!
Though it takes me years to willingly try new experiences, I encourage you to do as I say and not as I do and give this creamy, little treat a chance. You too might get hooked. You too might find it a dreamy delight!
