It's been a while since we discovered a food invention that made our gastronomic hearts flutter just as much as a nutelasagne or giant Ferrero Rocher. But we think we've found one perfect for summer.

Triggering memories of Flake 99, ice-cream vans and days at the sea side, are these wondrous little ice-cream bowls made from hundreds-and-thousands.

Mother and blogger Amy Christie created the edible colourful crockery for her daughter's rainbow-themed birthday party. 

Writing about it on her blog This Heart of Mine, Christie said, "Using a party staple, the balloon, almond bark (white chocolate) and lots of sprinkles, I created edible bowls that are both delicious and crazy fun!" 
 

So how exactly can we craft these bowls of fun ourselves? We've slightly tweaked the recipe with ingredients available in Britain and lay it out, step by step, below. 

What you need:

• A bowl full of sprinkles of your choice
• Balloons, size depends on what size bowls you want to make
• White chocolate
• Glass bowl
• Saucepan
• Baking parchment or greaseproof paper

Method:

Step one: Rinse, pat dry and then inflate the balloons to the desired size.

Step two: Melt the white chocolate by placing it in a glass bowl atop of boiling water in a saucepan. 

Step three: When smooth, dip the balloon into the melted white chocolate.

Step four: Press the chocolate-coated end of the balloon into the bowl of sprinkles until fully coated. 

Step five: Allow the sprinkled balloon to set on the baking parchment.

Step six: When the white chocolate is firm, pop the balloon and hey presto! Top with a glorious helping of soft vanilla soft scoop. 

Images: thisheartofmineblog.com