href="http://www.torontosun.com/life/columnists/rita_demontis/2010/06/07/14293001.html">June

9, 2010

Canadians certainly love a cold

one.

Ice cream, that is.

And, while we don't need summer to

officially signal ice cream season, it's good to know that, overwhelmingly, our

nation just loves this treat. We're ranked seventh worldwide (the U.S. leads the

pack in overall consumption with a yearly average of 23.2 quarts of frozen dairy

products per person.)

Not bad for a treat that's been

around for centuries, as far back as the Roman era when the Emperor Nero

apparently served cream frozen in snow at his legendary banquets.

But -- Canadian ice cream habits

are as diverse as the country. Quebecers, for instance, are known for generously

sharing, while those in British Columbia like to add a third scoop to their

sundae.

In fact the latest results from an

Angus Reid Public Opinion survey, conducted on behalf of Smucker's, revealed

that Canada's ideal ice cream sundae is made up of one scoop of chocolate ice

cream and one scoop of vanilla, topped with hot fudge syrup, whipping cream,

strawberries and sliced banana served in a waffle cone or bowl.

Hold the cherry.

"We wanted the scoop from Canadians

so we recently polled adults from coast to coast," says Sarah Palter, baking

specialist for Smucker Foods of Canada. "Not only did the research help us

create the 'Oh Canada Sundae', but we also learned a number of quirky insights

about Canadian ice cream habits."

For instance:

- Almost everyone likes to top off

their sundae with syrup (89%).

- The most preferred syrup is hot

fudge (38%) followed by a tie between chocolate and caramel (29%).

- Quebeckers prefer just fruit on

their sundaes and do away entirely with whipping cream and syrup.

- Younger Canadians prefer chunkier

and more textured ice creams such as Cookie Dough and Mint Chocolate Chip

compared to Canadians over the age of 55 who prefer nuttier ice creams such as

Maple Nut and Praline Pecan.

- The most cited unusual topping is

peanut butter.

- 85% of Canadians are into

savouring slowly, while only 6% like to gobble up the sweet treat

quickly.

The survey also found out that a

whopping 83% of Canadians celebrate Canada Day and that residents of Manitoba

and Saskatchewan celebrate more than any other province. Adds Palter:

"Canadians' preferred festivities on our national day are spending time with

family (43%) at a BBQ (34%) followed by fireworks (36%)."

We just want to enjoy a delicious

sundae --it's part of our civic pride after all!

DID YOU KNOW

According to the Washington, DC

-based International Ice Cream Association vanilla continues to be the most

popular ice cream flavour, followed by chocolate, butter pecan, strawberry and

Neapolitan. Also,

- More ice cream is sold on Sunday

than any other day of the week.

- Ice cream consumption is highest

during July and August. July is National Ice Cream Month.

- Children ages two through 12, and

adults age 45 plus, eat the most ice cream per person.

- The average number of licks to

polish off a single scoop ice cream cone is approximately 50.

RECIPES

Need a smashing dessert fast? Fill

store-bought crepes with chocolate ice cream, drizzle with chocolate or caramel

sauce and dust with icing sugar

Quick Tortoni Delight makes a

fabulous dessert: For each serving, combine 1 scoop of softened rum-raisin ice

cream with 1 small coconut macaroon cookie, crumbled, and fold in 2 tbsp (30 mL)

whipped cream. Spoon into paper-lined muffin pans and sprinkle with walnut

crumbs. Freeze until firm

Create your own Iced Café Latte at

home: Combine coffee- or vanilla-flavoured ice cream, cold strong-brewed coffee

and ice cubes in a blender and blend until slushy.

GUILTY PLEASURES

Ice cream choices can be quirky

according to Loblaws, who just recently introduced a line of President's Choice

flavours reminiscent of old fashion ice cream parlour tastes. Here's what your

selection may reveal about your personality:

- Sprinkle Party Cake Ice Cream:

means you're always the hit of the party

- Mint Chocolate Ice Cream: you're

the coolest one in the crowd, with a sweet side to you

- Cotton Candy: means you're just a

big kid inside, regardless your age

- Mango: you're bright with an

adventurous streak