Homemade ice cream is a delightful treat to make, especially because you can customize it to your taste preferences. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic vanilla ice cream:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mixture. Add the scraped bean pod as well.
- Heat the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is warm. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Infuse the Vanilla Flavor (if using vanilla bean):
- Once the mixture is warm, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the vanilla flavor to infuse.
- Cool the Mixture:
- After infusing (if using vanilla bean), remove the bean pod. Then, transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it’s thoroughly cold, preferably overnight.
- Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once the mixture is cold, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Freeze:
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze it for a few hours until it’s firm enough to scoop.
- Serve:
- Scoop the homemade vanilla ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Feel free to get creative with your homemade ice cream by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit purees, or cookie crumbles during the last few minutes of churning. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients!
