Pie Pairings

• A classic accompaniment, pie and ice cream go hand in hand. While apple pie and vanilla ice cream are a given, consider more adventurous pairings like raspberry pie and peach ice cream or grape pie with peanut butter ice cream -- a play on the flavors from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Skip grocery store standards and find a pistachio ice cream to pair with apricot pie or honey ice cream with a plum pie. Pair coffee ice cream with any chocolate-based pie or enjoy it with a peanut butter pie for a twist.

Savory Pairings

• Step away from the ordinary and pair ice cream with cheese for a salty, savory, sweet combination. Serve brie with vanilla ice cream or Camembert with chocolate ice cream for velvety combinations that shine. Top a bowl of ice cream with bacon jam or dried wasabi peas for vibrant combinations begging to be eaten. Or even better yet, serve a melon ice cream topped with bacon crumbles for a cool version of prosciutto and melon. Serve ice cream with crisp cucumber slices or crunchy, nutty, crispy Indian pappadam for a simple preparation that pairs texture and flavor with winning results.

Ice Cream Floats

• A simple root beer float is always a hit with kids. Jazz up this combination further with unlikely beverage accompaniments like cream soda, kombucha, pink lemonade or iced tea. Or, take it strictly adult and make an alcohol-based float using your favorite stout or porter, other complex microbrew or even champagne. Stray from the typical vanilla ice cream and use chocolate, mint, strawberry or peach mixed with your favorite beverage for a refreshing combination that leaves you wanting more.

Wine Pairings

• Don't overlook the power of a good wine pairing when serving ice cream. Whether you sip it on the side or pour the wine directly over ice cream, the acidity of wine pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of ice creams. Serve fruity ice cream, like apricot, strawberry, peach or mango, with a deep red muscat wine to bring out the wine's sweet berry flavor. Try a fruity, mild sake with chocolate ice cream and pair vanilla ice cream with a sherry or Sauternes wine to enjoy the honey, vanilla and caramel accents.