July is National Ice Cream Month but this isn’t your average food holiday conjured up by big corporations to give out freebies and market more products. Instead, President Ronald Reagan actually declared July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984, and in a very serious proclamation, made the third Sunday of the month National Ice Cream Day.

What better way to cool off during the heat of summer than with a tasty frozen treat? Historically, especially in the South, ice cream has been the highlight of family and community summertime gatherings. Perhaps you remember making homemade ice cream — turning the handle while the ice cream hardened. These days the process isn’t quite as time-consuming and the options are endless. Whether you choose to pull out your ice cream churn and make some at home, head to the nearest store and buy your favorite carton or visit a local ice cream shop and let them do the work — you don’t want to miss out on the celebration.

Try these books to find recipes and ideas for entertaining with ice cream, as well as, the history behind one of America’s favorite treats.