If people think about it at all, they probably think of chocolate as a cold-weather treat. Mugs of steaming hot chocolate, topped by swirls of whipped cream; homemade Toll House cookies, fresh and warm from the oven, plentiful chocolate chips still melting as you eat them" ?these are perfect comfort foods for winter weather.

But one favorite is a definite summertime treat. Remember chocolate ice cream sodas? Once a soda fountain standard, they've disappeared along with the fountains that were so popular decades ago, replaced by fast food places like McDonald's and Burger King with their burgers, fries, and thick shakes. It's not easy to find a chocolate ice cream soda anymore.

Luckily, they're easy to make. A little seltzer water, some chocolate syrup, and a scoop of chocolate ice cream, and voila! You've got the best summer treat there is!

First, make sure you get seltzer water, not club soda; club soda has a bitter taste not suited for ice cream sodas. Pour a bit of the seltzer into a tall glass, pour in a dollop of chocolate syrup, and stir it up; then slowly fill the glass with the seltzer, stirring constantly. Careful" ?the stuff fizzes, so go slow or your glass will overflow. Leave room in the glass for a big scoop of your favorite chocolate ice cream. If you want, top the whole confection off with a swirl of whipped cream and a bright cherry. Grab and straw and a long spoon, and enjoy!