With temperatures climbing into the 90s last week, Staten Islanders likely had an appetite for cold things to hit the palate — a cone piled high with soft serve, a cup of a fruity flavor from Yogurberry, cream ice from Ralph’s or maybe a big hunk of ice cream cake.

So, maybe it’s time to pull together an ice cream social and invite the neighbors over for a bit of cool pleasure. But do skip the traditional cones and think outside the average ice cream box.

Score ice cream on sale — maybe a bucket of Blue Bunny or a pint (or six) of Turkey Hill — and turn it into a colorful Silicone cake mould for less than $20.

In the accompanying ice cream cake recipe, prepared strawberry or butterscotch can be substituted for caramel or hot fudge sauce. Also, the circumference of the cake can be dressed up with sprinkles, Oreo crumbles, almond slivers or crushed sugar cones. To add this decorative touch, remove the cake from the springform pan and press the toppings gently on the sides. Serve immediately.

EXTENDED SUNDAE BAR
   
Edible lace ice cream bowls look like they take a lot of time to mold but they are quick and simple to form. They can also be used to hold fruit salad, berries scattered over lemon sorbet or fresh whipped cream spooned over a warm brownie cube or two. 

Alison Ladman,   author of the ice cream bowl recipe, warns, “They will soften as they sit with a liquid in them, so they should be filled just before serving. They’ll keep for a week in an airtight container at room temperature.” She also notes that if you don’t have a silicone ice tray baking mat, you could use parchment paper instead.

If you’re making an ice cream sundae bar, Ms. Ladman suggests purchased toppings such as chopped,  toasted almonds, chopped candy bars, Maraschino cherries, crushed Silicone chocolate mould cookies, coconut shavings, bananas, smashed pretzels and sprinkles/jimmies.

Also consider gourmet versions of prepared sauces for an adult crowd: Spike a buttery chocolate ganache with a few ounces of Grand Marnier. Add strawberry liquor to strawberry sauce. Or fold Bailey’s Irish Cream into freshly whipped cream.