Hi! My name is Stephanie Zonis, and welcome to the August, 1998 (Ice Cream) edition of "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Each month you'll find great recipes, tips, and recommendations on where to find chocolate specialties. This month, the column is all about ice cream.

Chocolate Recommendation of the Month: Out Of A Flower, Inc., is located at 703 McKinney, Suite 202, in Dallas, TX 75202. This company makes ice creams, sorbets, and specialty desserts. Their slogan, "Defy the Ordinary", is an excellent one considering some of their flavors; Out Of A Flower makes many of their products from edible flowers and herbs. They have some chocolate flavors, including a terrific white chocolate/poppy seed ice cream (with a touch of Cognac) and a dark chocolate and orange mint sorbet. Much of their product line is non-chocolate, and flavor combinations are often unusual (rose geranium blossom, passion fruit/rose petal). Products are shipped in dry ice in styrofoam coolers; my three pints arrived frozen solid. These ice creams and sorbets are not cheap, but they are innovative and of very high quality, perfect for any occasion when you want something delicious and different. You can reach Out Of A Flower at (214) 754-0324.

Idea of the Month: Looking for an excuse for a get-together? Searching for a cold dessert for an informal dinner or barbecue? You might want to have an old-fashioned ice cream social. Have at least several different flavors of good-quality ice cream on hand (make sure you have some sorbet or frozen yogurt, too, for those careful of fat intake). Provide a few different toppings such as hot fudge sauce, good caramel or butterscotch sauce, and a fruit syrup or two. Offer some "extras"--chocolate sprinkles, fresh fruit, chopped nuts, small candies or chopped candy bars, etc. Have out scoops, bowls, and spoons, and let everyone create his or her own masterpiece; ice cream really does bring out the kid (and maybe the artist) in you. Make sure you tailor your choices to your crowd, too; adults are more likely to prefer less sweetness and stronger flavors than children. Neatness doesn't count here- -only fun and imagination are important!

Do you have a comment, question or suggestion? I'd like your input into this column. You can reach me at: sdziadwm@nac.net; please specify that you're writing regarding "For Chocolate Lovers Only". Thank you!