The Magic of Childhood Memories

Today is National Merry Go Round Day. What child does not love a Merry Go Round? What adult does not have fond memories of a Merry Go Round? It’s only fitting that the magic of a Merry Go Round have it’s own special day.

I’m from Northern California. San Francisco was a favorite stomping ground. In October of 1978, Pier 39 opened to much fanfare as the place to visit in the City by the Bay. It was built from the wood pulled off Piers 34 and 3, dating back to 1910. The Venetian Carousel that is at the heart of the pier’s magic was relocated to the pier in the spring of 1983. Handcrafted in Italy, the San Francisco Carousel is hand painted with famous San Francisco landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Lombard Street and Alcatraz. It features 1,800 twinkling LED light and over 30 animals to ride. The traditional organ music can be heard up and down the pier.

I’ve ridden this magical merry go round with my children and my grandchildren. While the carousel continues to operate, unfortunately I won’t be sharing the experience with our great grandchildren. It’s sad that the crime in San Francisco has reached the point that it’s no longer safe. San Francisco has always had it’s rough and tumble areas. Broadway was known for the ladies of the night. The tenderloin was where you found folks down on their luck. And who doesn’t remember Haight-Ashbury? Free spirits high on a lot more than life. The city was once known for colorful characters, interesting people and amazing street performers as well as its underbelly.

The city has changed. And it’s very, very sad. So much has been lost. Restaurants that have existed for a hundred years gone. Historic hotels built during the San Francisco’s Gold Rush Boom might forever be lost. That’s sad. First the pandemic, then the ramped crime and the high cost of everything have taken their toll. The City by the Bay might never be the same. But the memories of the San Francisco that once was will forever live on in my heart.

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Today is also National Hot Fudge Sundae Day. Now that’s a childhood favorite that I can share with my children, my grand children and great grandchildren. Ice Cream Sundaes have been an American treat since the late 1800s. Some say the ice cream sundae was a variation on the popular ice cream soda invented out of necessity. As the story goes, Illinois banned the sale of soda water on Sundays because sodas were considered to “frilly” for consumption on the Lord’s Day. So the ice cream was placed in a dish instead of a glass, drizzled with hot fudge and topped with a cherry. Others claim Two Rivers, Wisconsin in the birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae. It is said to be the brainchild of Edward C. Berners, the owner of Berners Soda Fountain. Seems a customer by the name of George Hallauer wanted a dish of ice cream with some chocolate syrup drizzled over the top. Berners eventually added the treat to his menu, but only on Sundays, and sold it for a nickel. It seems the Wisconsin story has a great deal of detail that some of the other claims lack, so I’m going with Berners Sunday Sundae.

Have an awesome day!

Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes
Brownie Mix
1 box Fudge Brownie Mix
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
1 large Egg

Heat oven to 350-degrees for shiny metal pans or 325 for dark, non-stick pans. Line the pan with foil, allowing overhang for lifting brownies from the pan once baked. Spray foil with cooking spray and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir brownie mix, water, oil and egg until well-blended. Spread batter out in the prepared pan.

Bake in the heated oven for 35 minutes or until tester inserted 2-inches from the side of the pan comes out almost clean. Let cool before cutting.

Hot Fudge Sundae
1 jar Hot Fudge
6 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
1 can Whipped Cream
Maraschino Cherries with Stems as needed

Lift the brownie square from the pan. Using a round cutter, cut brownies to fit in the bottom of a dessert bowl.

Warm fudge in the microwave or on the stove top. When ready, top brownie rounds with 2 scoops of ice cream. Pour hot fudge over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Serve and enjoy.