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Forget the holidays; this is the most wonderful time of the year. As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, Surdyk’s Cheese Shop staffers like to kick off summer by rolling out our ice cream cart. Let’s be honest, for kids and adults alike, ice cream in hot weather equals supreme bliss.

This year we’ve made an exciting change in our ice cream program, bringing local Pumphouse Creamery into our little shop. It was a lot of hard work tasting all of the fabulous frozen offerings around town. In the end, Pumphouse won our hearts and our palates. The wonderful Barb Zapzulka hand churns these delightful concoctions in her South Minneapolis store, and we were thrilled to learn the company’s food philosophy is in line with our own. Pumphouse’s award-winning ice creams are made with organic, local, and seasonal ingredients, something that really shines through in the finished product. We’ll be offering scoops (in a waffle cone or cup) of a rotating selection of four flavors throughout the summer. Fear not, we’ll always feature cult favorite: Sea Salt, Caramel, and Pralines. Trust me, this one’s popular for good reason.

While we’re on the subject of summer’s favorite treats, here’s another quick thought: ice cream cocktails. I’ve always adored a good root beer float, but have you ever considered making a beer float? Try a scoop of Pumphouse Vanilla with a dark beer like Young’s Double Chocolate Stout or Guinness. For something with a fruitier zing, Pumphouse’s Rhubarb-Vanilla ice cream with Lindemans Framboise Lambic is sure to please. Not a beer fan? Try sorbet with sparkling wine: Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne will do. Get creative! Peruse the seemingly endless selection at Surdyk’s Liquor and grab a scoop from us on your way out the door. Who said being a grown up had to be a drag? Happy summer! – Emily Dunne www.surdyks.com