Chocolate-dipped gelato pops

Who can deny that a really good chocolate ice beats the lot on some occasions, especially when made with your own favorite ice cream?

* Makes 6–8 (more if using a very small scoop)

• 1 recipe luxury vanilla gelato
• 1 recipe chocolate sauce
• finely chopped nuts or sprinkles

Chocolate nut sundae

Chocolate and nuts make so many wonderful combinations that it is hard to choose a favorite!

* Serves 1

• 1 scoop rich chocolate ice cream
• 1 scoop butter pecan ice cream
• 2 tbsp. chocolate sauce
• 2 tbsp. toasted mixed nuts
• chocolate flakes, curls, or sprinkles

Banana split

This old-time favorite, often said to have been created in Wilmington, Ohio, has not lost its popularity with younger generations, who love as many ice cream flavors as possible all together.

* Serves 1

• 1 firm ripe banana
• 1 scoop each chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream
• 1 tbsp. chocolate sauce
• 1 tbsp. strawberry sauce
• cream, heavy or whipping
• chopped nuts
• maraschino cherries or strawberries
• rolled wafers (optional)

Peach melba

This classic sundae was created in the 1890s by the renowned chef, Escoffier, for the Australian soprano, Dame Nellie Melba. It contains some of the most delicious fresh fruits and flavors of summer.

* Serves 4

Knickerbocker glory

Whether you like to believe this famous sundae is named for the early days of New York City, for the American Knickerbocker hotels, or the multicolored and striped long breeches worn in England in the 1900s, the knickerbocker glory is still a popular and flamboyant ice cream sundae.

* Serves 2

• fresh strawberries and cherries
• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 6 to 8 tbsp. fruit jelly
• strawberry or raspberry sauce
• 2 scoops strawberry ice cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
• toasted sliced almonds