Beat the summer heat with this simple recipe: how to make ice cream from scratch

Craving a sweet and refreshing treat on a hot summer day? Why not indulge in the delectable delight of homemade ice cream? With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of patience, you can create a masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.

Gather Your Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Prepare Your Ice Cream Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.

Chill and Churn

Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Enhance with Flavors

As the ice cream churns, you can add your desired flavors. Here are some suggestions:

• Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup of melted semisweet chocolate or cocoa powder.
• Strawberry: Puree 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries and add it to the churn.
• Mint: Chop 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them into the ice cream.

Freeze and Enjoy

Once the ice cream has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Indulge in Your Creation

When you’re ready to savor your masterpiece, scoop out a generous portion and enjoy the creamy, velvety texture that only homemade ice cream can provide.

Tips for Success

• Use cold ingredients: Chilled ingredients will help the ice cream freeze more quickly and smoothly.
• Don’t overchurn: Overchurning can make the ice cream icy and grainy.
• Freeze overnight: Allowing the ice cream to freeze overnight will give it a chance to fully develop its flavor and texture.
• Store properly: Keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Variations

• No-churn ice cream: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make no-churn ice cream by freezing the mixture in a freezer-safe container and whisking it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Vegan ice cream: Replace the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk or coconut milk.
• Low-sugar ice cream: Reduce the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.

The Sweet Conclusion

Homemade ice cream is a culinary delight that is surprisingly easy to make. With a little patience and creativity, you can create a frozen treat that will impress your family and friends. So next time you crave a sweet indulgence, gather your ingredients and embark on the journey of making ice cream by scratch.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use a different type of milk?
A: Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.

Q: What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
A: You can make no-churn ice cream by freezing the mixture and whisking it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q: How long can I store homemade ice cream?
A: Homemade ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to my ice cream?
A: Yes, you can add any ingredients you like, such as fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce.

Q: Why is my ice cream icy?
A: Overchurning can make the ice cream icy. Make sure to churn the ice cream only until it reaches the desired consistency.