How to Make Ice Cream at Home
Making delicious ice cream at home is easier than you think! This guide outlines a simple method requiring minimal equipment.
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and requires no specialized ice cream maker.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (chilled)
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly stir together the chilled sweetened condensed milk, cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Whip the Cream (Optional): For a smoother, slightly airier texture, you can beat the mixture with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This step is not strictly necessary but is recommended.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a shallow, airtight 2-quart dish. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Stir once after 2 hours, or when the edges begin to harden, to break up any ice crystals that may form. This helps prevent a grainy texture.
Tips for Success:
- Use Chilled Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients is crucial for preventing the ice cream from melting too quickly during the freezing process.
- Shallow Dish: A shallow dish ensures faster and more even freezing, minimizing the formation of large ice crystals.
- Airtight Seal: A tight-fitting lid prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps out freezer burn.
- Stirring: Stirring partway through the freezing process helps to create a smoother texture by breaking up ice crystals.
Variations:
This basic recipe is easily adaptable. Experiment with different flavors by adding:
- Chocolate: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate chips.
- Fruit: Blend in pureed fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Coffee: Stir in strong brewed coffee for a mocha flavor.
Remember to adjust the sweetness based on your preference and the added ingredients.
