 Once upon a time in the tree-lined streets of my childhood, children frolicked on the front lawn playing chasings, hide'n'seek and badminton—and rode their bicycles on the road with their ears peeled, listening eagerly for the sound of the ice cream van which made regular rounds of the suburbs. Greensleeves and The Happy Wanderer were among the tinny tunes that rang through the streets from the speaker on the ice cream van—music that brought a smile to the faces of kiddies and adults alike. My dad and I would line up together to buy a vanilla soft serve dipped into warm melted chocolate—a family favourite. My mother preferred soft serve in a tub, drizzled with chocolate topping and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. I have particularly fond memories of the frozen yoghurt sold by an ice cream vendor at the South coast. On one occasion in the late 70s, when my then husband and I were playing Gin Rummy with my parents (as you did when you visited family in those days), we heard the tinkle of the ice cream van coming towards the house. With stupendous excitement we threw down our cards, leapt out of our chairs, grabbed our wallets and raced outside—much to my mother's amusement, for we were in both our twenties! How times have changed. These days, it seems that children no longer play 'out the front' and, judging by the playground in the vicinity of our home, they rarely venture outdoors other than to the backyard of the family home. Actually, on Christmas day when Peter and I went for an early morning walk, it struck both of us that not one single child was outside playing with a new toy. Why is this so? There's no sign of an ice cream van either—at least not in our local neighbourhood and I don't think I've seen one for years, other than parked near the Flagstaff Lighthouse at Wollongong Head. Research tells me that nowadays rather than being delighted, people are irritated by the sound of the ice cream van. Reading some of the online forums on the topic, I note that people have mixed feelings about ice cream vans. Many question the hygiene of the vendors and their equipment, others debate the price ($5.00 or more vs 30 cents for a soft serve from the 'golden arches'). There are comments also on the risks associated with allowing children to play outside (!) and fears of children being snatched by the driver. I suppose I could agree with one or two of the points raised, but somehow I feel that today's youngsters are missing out. Or am I simply too nostalgic for my own good? What say you, dear readers? Tinny tunes like this rang through the streets... One of my favourite treats was frozen yogurt... A recipe for yoghurt berry icy poles that was published on the wonderful SBS Food web site caught my eye, evoking memories of summers past and ice cream vans, and here I'm sharing my take on that recipe (which was originally created by Sally Courtney from the food dept.). When I first read the recipe, I wondered about the addition of the lemon syrup, but having tasted the finished product, I have no qualms. This frozen yoghurt is completely exquisite! The recipe... MIXED BERRY FROZEN YOGHURT 1 cup water 3/4 cup golden caster sugar* zest from 1 lemon 500ml Greek yoghurt 250g frozen mixed berries Wash the lemon and then strip the zest using a sharp peeler. Combine the sugar, water and zest in a saucepan, and bring gently to the boil, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Meanwhile, chop the berries into smaller pieces, then combine with the yoghurt. Remove the lemon zest+ from the syrup and fold the syrup into the berry yoghurt mixture. Spoon the mixture evenly into dariole or ice block moulds. Freeze for several hours until set. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this yoghurt sets especially hard once frozen. Makes up to 10 x 125ml ice blocks/icy poles. * I prefer to use unrefined golden caster sugar for more flavour, but I used less than the original recipe called for. + I added the candied zest and the sliced lemon to a bottle of iced water, rather than wasting it.   In dariole moulds, ready to be frozen... This frozen yoghurt is completely exquisite...  It's hot outside, so dive in and enjoy... More delicious ice cream recipes... If you love ice cream as much as I do, you might enjoy my recipes for Pedro Ximenez vanilla raisin ice cream, my basil, lemon and passionfruit ice cream, or my chocolate and fresh mint ice cream (which one friend said was the sexiest ice cream she had ever eaten!). Once upon a time in the tree-lined streets of my childhood... Tell me dear readers, does an ice cream van still drive around the streets in your neighbourhood? And do children in your part of the world play 'out the front'? Share your memories on the history of ice cream vans in your part of the world.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for stopping by to read Good Things, and sharing your thoughts and experiences. I read and appreciate every single comment, and enjoy your emails as well. For those readers who are not food bloggers (I know you are out there), please feel free to pop in and comment too. I love hearing from all of you! Bizzy Lizzy xox 19/1/2014 02:49:52 pm
Oh, sweet memories and joy to read! How timely again to open your latest blog post and to find a recipe with something I just bought or made! I just set my home made yoghurt in a big 2lt bucket and was wondering how long will take to finish it. Now I know what I'll do! Thank you for your wonderful recipe and sharing precious memories. Things like that are so nurturing for my soul!
Lizzy
19/1/2014 02:51:55 pm
Ah Sophia, welcome! You see, we are on the same wave length and you are a kindred spirit, I know it! Thank you for your very kind words. Lovely to see you here and looking forward to our ongoing friendship through food and photography xo 19/1/2014 04:16:51 pm
I have to admit that I have never seen the ice cream man in a street I have lived since I have been adult. I also didn't realise until you mentioned it! I do however, recall frozen yoghurt like this on a hot day. We had frozen everything as after-school treats as it was so HOT in Summer and on reflection my mum was very creative with her after school snacks. They were nearly always fruit based and healthy. Frozen yoghurt was one of my favorites.
Lizzy
19/1/2014 04:26:01 pm
Interesting, huh Kyrstie... your mum sounds like my kind of people : ) 19/1/2014 08:23:33 pm
Soft serve dipped in warm chocolate is one of my very favorites too!! :-) I haven't seen it anywhere in my part of Australia and would love to know where to find it. :-) This yogurt looks so creamy and good. :-)
Lizzy
19/1/2014 08:43:20 pm
Krista, I haven't had one of those for years... but if you are ever in the Wollongong area, have a look for the ice cream van at the lighthouse... thanks for your kind words... this yoghurt is creamy and honestly tastes exquisite!
Lizzy
20/1/2014 06:52:24 am
Rosa, thank you!
I haven't heard an ice cream van in a while. One of the first things I learned after moving to Australia was about Mr. Whippy and his ice cream van.
Lizzy
20/1/2014 06:50:01 am
Maureen, why is that? Are they so busy with their playstations? I wish I could make some for you. 20/1/2014 03:07:02 am
Such sweet memories! This looks great even if it's far too cold here to be having frozen treats.
Lizzy
20/1/2014 06:50:26 am
Thank you kindly Gintare, keep warm. : ) 20/1/2014 08:45:34 am
what a great recipe - as my parents have loads of berries at the moment, this has come at a great time! i love greek yoghurt too, nice and tart.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:28:13 am
Perfect timing then, I do hope you will try this recipe with the berries from your mum and dad's garden. Enjoy xo 20/1/2014 11:43:43 am
It is winter in my part of the world so no ice cream truck, but in the summer the truck comes around and yes children are still playing in the streets where I live even in the winter.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:27:30 am
Hi Norma, that is so good to know! Cherish that... it is really quite special. 20/1/2014 12:08:24 pm
Hehe to this day I get excited when I hear the distinctive tune from Greensleaves! This is a great recipe for the warm weather Lizzy :)
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:26:48 am
He he he Lorraine, so I am not alone : ) 20/1/2014 12:16:31 pm
I used to love the ice cream truck when I was a kid! Ice cream was in the "treat" category so we seldom had it, but once or twice each summer we got to hail the ice cream truck and select something. Ice cream cost all of 5 cents back then, as I recall. Same price as a candy bar (and the candy bars were much bigger). Anyway, lovely recipe, really fun post. Thanks.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:26:26 am
Ah sweet memories, eh John. Five cents, what a bargain... and yes candy bars were indeed bigger too! How things have changed. Give me the old days anytime! : )
Eha
20/1/2014 12:21:12 pm
Oh, ice cream trucks are around ~ I happen to live in a village community in the Southern Highlands of NSW and never a week goes by that the loud bell up and down all the various streets at least twice around does not drive us 'bonkers'. With many here being in their retirement years I do not know why the dear guy bothers as everyone seems to be on some kind of a diet which precludes sweet or milky or fatty things :) ! Yours is lovely: I make at least 1 Kg of Easy-Yo plain yogurt every week ~ so have to try the additions of your recipe!!!
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:25:23 am
Oh Eha, how lovely! It's good to know that there is at least one truck that still makes the rounds somewhere. How do you find the Easy-Yo? I've been wanting to try that for ages!
Eha
21/1/2014 12:12:27 pm
I have used it since it first appeared on the scene [with 'Golden Glow' vitamins and supplements originally] . . . then there were but about 5-6 kinds, now there are literally pages. It is easy and foolproof to make, quite a bit cheaper than in supermarkets and the whole simple setup costs about $A20 and has lasted me for years. It is not quite 'homemade' but it has a less 'gluey' more natural consistency. Keeps well in its 1 Kg container for about a week [never lasts that long :) !]. I usually only buy the 'natural' now and do my own fruit etc additions - but, without going to look it up, there must be about ten different kinds of 'natural' including a couple of good Greek ones.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:24:02 am
Wendy, thank you for your very kind words... I hope you will enjoy this yoghurt as much as I do : )
Growing up so rural meant we never had an ice cream van here, but I do remember the excitement of hearing that tinny tune when playing at friends houses.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:23:35 am
Hi Janie, it was sad to see the streets so quiet on Christmas morning, a stark difference from the days of old, even my own kiddies played outside with their new toys and sharing with their friends. xo
It is true when you write all the simple pleasures of yesterday have moved to malls now. It is such a shame really. I do let my daughter enjoy a bit of that past when we visit funfairs or community gatherings that serve home made ice cream and food.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:22:28 am
Hello Anita... such a pity, don't you think? I'm so glad to know that your daughter is able to enjoy the simpler things from time to time. The dariole moulds are excellent, and inexpensive. : ) 20/1/2014 10:21:23 pm
I remember those uncomplicated days well. Wasn't life grande! We had the ice cream man with the same music (and this was over in NZ) and we also had a man who would park his truck in our street and out of the back of it he would sell fruit and vegetables and lollies. My favourite sweet was a round aniseed disc that cost 2 cents. I love the look of your frozen yoghurt and the old black & white image is full of nostalgia. And yes, we had a badminton net in our front yard, strung from the conifer to the verandah! xx
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:21:27 am
Hi Charlie, what found that you too have such fond memories. We had conifers near the verandah as well. Life was indeed uncomplicated... if only we could zip back there for a moment! xox 21/1/2014 04:53:27 am
It is such a shame that parents feel for their children's safety and don't allow them to play outside without an adult standing there watching them. Even though we live in a rural area, I do still hear the ice cream truck occasionally. Your frozen yogurt looks very good even though it is just above zero with snow on the ground here. :)
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:20:26 am
It is indeed, Karen... when I was little we played outside and went from one neighbours house on the left to the neighbour on the right without supervision. When my own children were young, they played in the cul de sac with all the other children and went from house to house. The mothers would check in periodically. Maybe it's because mums go to work these days, I don't know.
Ela @ Gray Apron
21/1/2014 06:18:37 am
Oj, Liz, you hit a hot topic there...I have a 12 year old. Here is the same...kids don't play outside anymore. And I'm not sure if what they do inside could be called playing...
Lizzy
21/1/2014 06:31:44 am
Hello there Ela.. what a pity that the situation is the same in your part of the world. I remember the days when children would play happily for days with a big cardboard box! Thank you for stopping by x 21/1/2014 07:53:15 am
The ice cream van brought back memories! We lived in a small town and for us it was an ice cream cart and we were so excited when we heard that bell. It's such a pity there doesn't seem to be anything like that any more!. Loved your recipe, will have to make some soon.
Lizzy
24/1/2014 08:26:11 pm
Sue, thank you so much... I am glad to have evoked some memories for you. Thank you for stopping by : ) 21/1/2014 07:54:34 am
I love frozen yogurt, such a delicious and cooling treat!
Lizzy
24/1/2014 08:26:23 pm
So true, Laura : ) 21/1/2014 10:03:16 am
No, there aren't any ice cream vans any where near us. I see one parked outside a school everyday as the children are let out, but never hear the bell. I loved that tune as a child, the thrill of dashing out of the door to the van before it drove on to its next destination. They didn't sell anything as healthy as frozen yogurt, just Mr Wippy and cider lollies. GG
Lizzy
21/1/2014 01:22:53 pm
GG, how interesting... and how fun to know that I'm not the only one who dashed out the door in excitement : )
Jess64
21/1/2014 12:11:43 pm
I loved frozen yoghurt from the school canteen as a kid. We still see an ice-cream van down the coast when we are camping. He comes through the campsite and you see all these kids running back to their parents for money. Well worth the money for the experience of buying from an ice cream van.
Lizzy
21/1/2014 01:23:43 pm
Oh Jess, you had frozen yoghurt at your school canteen!? How delicious! An ice cream man at the coast where you camp, that's awesome! : )
Lizzy
21/1/2014 01:24:47 pm
Eha, thank you for that... I will be sure to investigate... will add making my own yoghurt to my list of retirement projects xo 23/1/2014 11:54:40 am
Ice cream vans are so nostalgic and I'm glad they are still around during hot summers :)
Lizzy
24/1/2014 08:27:03 pm
Oh Kiran, they are still around in your part of the world? : ) Comments are closed.
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Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
Winner ABC's 2015 Australia Cooks competition,
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Meet the Chefs - recipes featured on Australian Asparagus Council website
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