NOT that you need an excuse to eat ice cream, but the recent spate of hot weather makes it all the more important to make ice cream a regular part of your diet. Here are five top shops.

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream 115 E. San Carlos St, San Jose. 408.275.8827.

Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream 3946 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 650.493.6553.

Sweet Retreat Ice Cream Parlor 6061 Cahalan Ave, San Jose. 408.629.8139.

Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt Co. 1098 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. 408.292.5961.

Yagoz Gelato 1111-5 Meridian Ave, San Jose. 408.266.9246.

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