how to make ice cream

5 hours ago 4

To make homemade ice cream, here is a straightforward method you can follow:

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base:

Combine milk, cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, split it and scrape the seeds into the mixture, adding the pod as well.
Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves but do not boil.
If making a custard base, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking. Return the mixture to the pan and cook gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove vanilla pods and cool the mixture thoroughly, ideally chilling it for several hours or overnight to develop flavor.

2. Churn the Ice Cream:

Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually 20-30 minutes). The ice cream will have a soft-serve texture at this stage.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until fully frozen.

3. Freeze and Serve:

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover with parchment paper pressed directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals, then seal with a lid.
Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.

Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, fold in sweetened condensed milk and flavorings, then freeze.
Use the plastic bag method: seal the ice cream mixture in a bag, surround with ice and salt in a larger bag, and shake vigorously until frozen.
Use a blender or food processor to blend frozen ice cream cubes into a creamy texture.

This method produces rich, creamy ice cream with customizable flavors and can be adapted for machine or no-machine preparation