Caramel and strawberry ice cream

Caramel and Strawberry Ice Cream – A Perfect Treat for Hot Days

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Freezing Time: 4 hours
Number of Servings: 6

Welcome to the delightful world of homemade ice cream! Today, I will present you with an extremely tasty recipe, perfect for hot summer days: caramel and strawberry ice cream. This sweet and creamy combination will undoubtedly win the heart of anyone. Let's get started!

A Brief Story about Ice Cream

Ice cream has a rich history, being a beloved dessert worldwide. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is believed to have been created for the first time in ancient times when people combined ice and snow with fruits and honey. Over the centuries, ice cream recipes have evolved, and today we have an impressive variety of flavors and textures at our disposal. Caramel and strawberry ice cream pays homage to this tradition, combining the sweetness of caramel with the freshness of strawberries.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the caramel ice cream:*
- 3 egg yolks
- 160 g sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml cooking cream
- 250 ml whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

*For the strawberry ice cream:*
- 500 g ripe strawberries
- 400 g condensed milk
- 300 ml cow's milk (preferably full-fat)
- 300 ml cooking cream (over 20% fat)

Step 1: Preparing the Caramel Ice Cream

1. Caramelizing the Sugar
Start by caramelizing 90 g of sugar over low heat. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it will become bitter. When the sugar has completely melted and has taken on a golden color, add 50 g of butter and 50 ml of cooking cream. Stir quickly to prevent the caramel from hardening. If it does harden, don't worry! Place the mixture back on low heat and gently stir until it becomes smooth.

2. Cooling the Caramel
Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature to avoid cooking the egg yolks later.

3. Preparing the Egg Cream
In a bowl, whisk the 3 egg yolks with 160 g of sugar until you obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. Heat 400 ml of milk in a saucepan, and when it is almost boiling, gradually pour it over the egg cream while stirring continuously. Place the mixture back on the heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Don't worry if it doesn't get very thick; the ice cream will have a wonderful texture.

4. Mixing the Ingredients
Let the egg cream cool completely. In another bowl, whip the whipping cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar until it becomes firm. Mix the cooled caramel with the egg cream, then gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula. Transfer the mixture to a container and place it in the freezer.

5. Breaking the Ice Crystals
After one hour, take the container out of the freezer and use a mixer or a fork to break the ice crystals. This will help achieve a creamier ice cream. Put it back in the freezer for another hour.

Step 2: Preparing the Strawberry Ice Cream

1. Creating the Strawberry Puree
Wash the strawberries well and remove the stems. Use a blender to make a puree from 500 g of ripe strawberries. Add 400 g of condensed milk and mix with a whisk until it becomes a smooth mixture.

2. Adding the Milk and Cream
Incorporate 300 ml of cow's milk and 300 ml of cooking cream into the strawberry puree. Mix well.

3. Freezing the Mixture
Transfer the mixture to another container and place it in the freezer for one hour. After one hour, break the ice crystals again using a fork or a mixer.

4. Finalizing the Strawberry Ice Cream
Let the ice cream sit in the freezer for about two more hours until it becomes firm.

Serving the Ice Cream

Once both ice creams are ready, you can serve them individually or combine them to create a vibrant delight with a perfect contrast between sweet and tangy. The caramel ice cream provides a rich base, while the strawberry ice cream adds a note of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Fresh Fruits
Decorate the plate with a few fresh strawberries and mint leaves for an elegant look.

2. With Chocolate Sauce
A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top will add a decadent touch and enhance the flavor.

3. In Beautiful Bowls
Use ice cream cups or colorful bowls to add a touch of cheer to the serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can replace strawberries with other fruits like raspberries or mangoes for different flavors.

2. How can I make the ice cream healthier?
You can reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners. You can also replace the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

3. How long does the ice cream last?
Homemade ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks, but it is best consumed in the first few days to maintain its ideal texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This caramel and strawberry ice cream is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while cream and milk provide calcium and protein. By consuming the ice cream in moderation, you can enjoy a dessert that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.

Customized Version

You can add a splash of strawberry or even vanilla liqueur to the ice cream mixture for an extra burst of flavor and sophistication. You can also experiment with textures by adding toasted nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture.

Now that you have all the secrets of this caramel and strawberry ice cream, all that’s left is to get started on making it! Enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones. Such a delicious ice cream deserves to be savored together! Enjoy!