Blueberry ice cream

Blueberry ice cream - a refreshing delicacy, easy to prepare and full of flavors, perfect for warm days or to indulge in a healthy dessert! You might be wondering why I chose blueberries as the main ingredient. These little gems of nature are not only delicious but also extremely beneficial for health. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them excellent for the immune system and heart health.

Total preparation time: 4 hours
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 grams of fresh blueberries (or frozen if not available)
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 200 ml of sweet cream (ideally Dorna or a high-fat cream for a creamy texture)
- 3 tablespoons of honey (can be adjusted according to preferences)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or a teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance flavors)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the blueberries well under cold running water. If using frozen blueberries, make sure to let them thaw completely, draining excess water. Choose the prettiest fruits, as they will add not only flavor but also an attractive look to your ice cream.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a tall container (a pitcher, a deep bowl, or a blender), add the blueberries, sour cream, sweet cream, honey, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything well with an immersion blender or an electric mixer until you achieve a smooth mixture. If you prefer a texture with fruit pieces, you can leave some whole blueberries.

3. Transferring the mixture: Once the mixture is homogeneous, pour it into a stainless steel container, which helps cool the ice cream quickly. This is an excellent technique for achieving creamier ice cream, as metal conducts temperature well.

4. Freezing: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It will stay there for about 3 hours. It is important to stir the ice cream every 30-60 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. This is a key step to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

5. Final mixing: After 3 hours, take the container out of the freezer. Using a spatula or mixer, stir the ice cream well. This step will help break down ice crystals and make your ice cream wonderfully smooth. Repeat this process 2-3 times at 30-minute intervals.

6. Serving: Once you have achieved the desired consistency, the blueberry ice cream is ready to serve. You can enjoy it plain, or sprinkle it with fresh fruits like banana slices, raspberries, or, why not, a generous portion of whipped cream. A wonderful idea is to serve it in elegant cups for a festive look.

Tips and variations:
- Alternative sweetener: If you prefer a dessert with lower sugar content, you can use agave syrup or a natural sweetener like stevia. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Added flavors: You can experiment with flavor additions, such as grated lemon or orange zest, which will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the blueberries.
- Crunchy texture: Add some chopped nuts or almond flakes to the ice cream mixture before freezing for an extra texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, frozen blueberries are an excellent choice! Make sure to let them thaw completely before using.
2. How can I avoid ice crystals? Regularly stirring the ice cream during freezing is essential to prevent ice crystals from forming.
3. What can I do if the ice cream is too hard? Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This blueberry ice cream is a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream, having approximately 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Blueberries are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making them excellent for heart health. Additionally, the cream adds healthy fats, providing a feeling of satiety.

Treat yourself to a serving of this delicious blueberry ice cream and let the fruity, refreshing flavors carry you away! I assure you that each spoonful will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!