Friday, July 13, 2012

Summer's Gift

ICE CREAM!!!

We used our ice cream maker for the first time this week to celebrate Grant's promotion at work! And let me tell you, it was delicious!!!

This was just our attempt at basic vanilla (his favorite) but I couldn't help my desire to add some coconut and cinnamon to the mix too! We have a Cuisinart Ice Cream and Yogurt Maker which I honestly had been too intimidated to ever use until now. Last time I ever made ice cream I was helping my grandfather make it in something that looked like a used model droid from Star Wars. Needless to say I was dubious to try to use a machine that only has one mechanism on it, an 'ON' and 'OFF' switch.

Ice cream is kind of a big deal in our families. For example, my father-in-law just one a prize for best ice cream at our hometown church's summer picnic. Even my mom and step-dad have made delicious frozen treats before. If you are ever lucky enough to be sample a scoop of their chocolate almond ice cream, consider yourself blessed. We cannot help but feel that it is our familial duty to carry on this glorious summer tradition.

Here was the recipe: Serves 14

1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
1 and 1/8 cups granulated sugar
3 cups heavy cream
1 and 1/2 tbs vanilla extract

And here are our moderations for what we had in the fridge: Our version was super delicious!!!

1 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 and 1/8 cups sugar
2 cups half and half
1 cup skim milk
and a nice healthy dose of vanilla extract (2 tbs+)
I also added a good dash of cinnamon

In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla. Add contents to ice cream freezer bowl and switch to 'ON'. Mix for about 20 to 25 minutes. Eat immediately or store in a freezer safe container.

When it was all done, I ate mine with blackberries!


I am thinking that we might try some of these flavors later in the summer..
Hibiscus and Vanilla Bean
Key Lime
Green Tea
Chocolate Mocha
and Peony and Rose (although, I think this one might have to wait until spring when peonies are in bloom again!)

So now, I am on a quest for ice cream recipes. What are some of your favorites?

2 comments:

  1. I recommend steeping chai tea in the milk before making the ice cream, then sweetening with honey and adding a tsp of fresh black pepper. I've made this with coconut milk before, and I'll be posting it to my blog in a couple weeks after I make it again.
    Coconut milk doesn't freeze nearly as well as regular milk, so I'd recommend sticking with the basic recipe you've got.
    :)

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  2. Nice! I like the idea of steeping chia with the milk. I have had this plan to make earl grey ice cream with orange rind and crystalized ginger the last few days and have been wondering how to get the "earl grey-ness" into the ice cream! Thanks for the tip!
    I too have tried coconut milk in ice cream...it was interesting, delicious!, but interesting.

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