(June 8, 2007) Sundaes are a classic summertime treat and this year we're celebrating national July Is Ice Cream Month with four distinctively "California" variations offered by the California Milk Advisory Board. From north to south, these delicious sundaes highlight the unique regions of California with a range of flavors that are sure to please any ice cream lover. And while you're digging in, give thanks that California is the nation's leading ice cream producer as well as the top milk producing state.

Our Sacramento Gold Rush Sundae features scoops of toffee ice cream placed over a chocolate chip cookie and topped with golden butterscotch and nuggets of crushed peanut brittle. Bay Area Fudgy Fog Sundae covers pistachio ice cream with a thick blanket of chocolate fog and chopped pistachios. Central Valley Fruit Basket Sundae mixes strawberry and peach ice cream with fresh strawberries and peaches and a sprinkling of sliced almonds. And Southern California Surfer Split Sundae balances chocolate ice cream on top of banana boards riding waves of whipped cream and blueberry sauce.

In 2006, 133 million gallons of ice cream were made from fresh California milk. Californians also have a long tradition of enjoying sundaes, in fact the first hot fudge sundae was served in Hollywood in 1906.

California is the nation's leading milk producer and also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.

Check out the ice cream recipes for July