Cherry ice cream

Cherry ice cream - a delicacy that combines the freshness of summer fruits with the creaminess of a refreshing dessert. This simple and delicious cherry ice cream recipe is perfect for hot days and will surely impress anyone who tastes it. We will venture together step by step, and in the end, you will have a dessert that not only looks splendid but is also full of flavor.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 6 hours
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 800 g fresh cherries (about 1 kg with pits)
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

A bit of history
Cherry ice cream has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a beloved dessert in many cultures. Cherries, seasonal fruits, are often associated with summer and joyful moments. Whether we consume them fresh or turn them into desserts, cherries bring a touch of freshness and an explosion of flavor. Cherry ice cream is not just a way to cool off, but also a way to preserve the taste of summer for cooler days.

Step by step: Making cherry ice cream

Step 1: Preparing the vanilla base
1. Start by heating 400 ml of milk in a saucepan over medium heat. It is important not to bring it to a boil; you just want it warm and fragrant.
2. In a bowl, beat 4 egg yolks with 200 g of sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is the creamy base that will give the ice cream a smooth texture.
3. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs.

Step 2: Thickening the mixture
1. Put the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will begin to thicken, but do not let it boil. Ideally, you want to reach a consistency similar to that of thick cream.
2. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the cherry sauce
1. 400 g of cherries (preferably fresh and ripe) are pitted. These cherries will give the ice cream an intense flavor.
2. Place the cherries in a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth sauce. If desired, you can add a little sugar depending on your taste and how sweet the cherries are.

Step 4: Whipping the cream
1. In a separate bowl, whip 400 ml of heavy cream until it becomes firm. The secret here is not to overwhip it, so it doesn't turn into butter.
2. Add the cherry sauce to the whipped cream and gently fold with a spatula to keep the air in the mixture. You can also add 2 tablespoons of milk for a lighter texture.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
1. Once the egg yolk mixture has cooled, carefully fold it into the whipped cream and cherry sauce mixture.
2. Cut the remaining cherries (about 400 g) in half and add them to the mixture. These cherry pieces will provide a pleasant texture and an explosion of flavor.

Step 6: The freezing process
1. Place the mixture in a freezing container and leave it in the freezer. After one hour, take it out and mix it with a blender to break up the ice crystals. This is an essential step for achieving creamy ice cream.
2. Repeat this mixing process every hour for 3 times. After the last mixing, leave the ice cream in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until it becomes firm.

Step 7: Serving
1. 30 minutes before serving, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit in the fridge to soften slightly. This will make scooping easier.
2. Serve the cherry ice cream in cups and, if desired, garnish with a few fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Useful tips
- Make sure the cherries are well-ripened to achieve a sauce with an intense flavor.
- You can experiment by adding other fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, to create an ice cream with a mix of flavors.
- This ice cream pairs perfectly with a glass of prosecco or a fresh fruit smoothie.

Nutritional information
One serving (approximately 150 g) of cherry ice cream contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to let them thaw completely before blending.

2. How can I make the ice cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe according to your preferences.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add cocoa powder for a cherry chocolate ice cream variation or a little cherry liqueur for a more sophisticated taste.

The cherry ice cream you will prepare is not just a simple dessert recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and indulgence in every spoonful. Enjoy every moment and don't forget to share the pleasure of this wonderful dessert with your loved ones!