Ice cream is a treat that easily works its way into the hearts of many. Even those who are lactose intolerant indulge in the frozen treat that both marks the beginning of the summer and acts as the ultimate breakup recovery tool (because the stomach pain is #worthit). No matter the occasion or season, eating ice cream can put a smile on anyone’s face. Seriously, ice cream in the winter can be oddly satisfying.

As a general food lover, I have had some pretty good ice cream (please do yourselves a favor and try Ben & Jerry’s “Late Night Snack” flavor), but one sundae that will always stand out to me is the Forbidden Broadway at Serendipity 3 in New York City. Obviously a sundae with chocolate Blackout cake, vanilla ice cream, HOT fudge, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles will always taste amazing, but the memories that come with it are even sweeter for me.

When I was 3 years old, my mom would pick me up on Tuesdays after nursery school and would take me to Serendipity 3 for lunch, and if I ate my whole hot dog, I was able to have the sundae that still puts a giant childish grin on my face: the Forbidden Broadway.

This sundae was not just a way for my mom to guarantee a solid two-hour nap from me later, but sharing this sundae every Tuesday turned into a tradition. Even though I was 3 years old when we started this tradition, I have hazy memories of these occasions and thinking of the dimly lit nook where we sat, makes me realize how fast time has flow by.

Before going back to Lehigh for my sophomore year, my mom made it a point to take me out on a Tuesday afternoon for lunch and this special sundae. We were able to reflect on this past year, a year that held so many changes, in a setting where we shared so many memories while I was growing up.

I love knowing that no matter how old I get, I will be able to return to a tradition that reminds me of my childhood while being delicious and satisfying.