Fare
Tasty Traditions
By Gray Bennett | Photography by Kristina Armstrong
What could be sweeter than dessert? For some, beloved sweet treats often go hand in hand with a special tradition shared with family and friends. From family game nights to birthday celebrations, a nostalgic dessert always adds more meaning to the memories. Here, we spoke with four locals to learn more about what makes their tasty traditions so sweet.
Homemade ice cream is a treasured birthday tradition for Alesha Manning and her family. As a child, her grandfather would make homemade churned ice cream to celebrate birthdays, and the whole family participated in the churning process. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends would all join in. Manning recalls her excitement from the first time she helped churn. “I remember having my first go at the bucket around eight years old,” she says. “It was definitely a rite of passage. I miss him. We continue this tradition today with my family and my kids and their friends take turns churning a little to have a little.” For Manning, this tradition is a way to honor the past and share new memories with the next generation. She calls this special treat the “sweetest, coldest, and best ice cream.” Perfect to enjoy on the first day of summer or any birthday celebration, this tradition is all about teamwork and togetherness, and Mueller Manning recommends adding to the fun with special toppings like fresh fruit and chocolate sauce.