Mixed ice cream: vanilla, chocolate flakes, and citrus

Mixed Ice Cream with Vanilla, Chocolate Chips, and Citrus – A Homemade Delight

Preparation time: 1 hour
Freezing time: 8 hours
Total: 9 hours
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the world of artisanal ice cream! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a mixed ice cream with vanilla, chocolate chips, and citrus, a perfect combination of flavors that will delight any palate. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun activity to do together with family or friends. Let’s get started!

A Brief History of Ice Cream

Ice cream has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when people combined ice with various natural ingredients to create refreshing desserts. Over time, this delicacy has evolved, becoming a symbol of summer and joy. This recipe, with its blend of flavors, pays homage to tradition while also embracing innovation in the kitchen.

Ingredients

To make this mixed ice cream, you will need:

For the ice cream base:
- Yolks from 4 eggs
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 300 ml of warm milk
- 1 vanilla pod
- 250 ml of liquid cream

For flavoring:
- 100 g of dark chocolate (chopped into chips)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, preserved in sugar)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Making the Ice Cream

Step 1: Preparing the Ice Cream Machine
First of all, make sure that the bowl of the ice cream machine is placed in the freezer at least 8 hours before use. This step is essential to achieve a creamy and silky texture of the ice cream.

Step 2: Creating the Ice Cream Base
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the yolks from the whites. You will only use the yolks.
2. Mixing the yolks: In a bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes frothy and changes color to pale yellow.
3. Heating the milk: In another pot, heat the milk along with the vanilla seeds and pod. Bring it to a boil, then let it cool slightly.
4. Combining the ingredients: Pour the warm milk in a thin stream over the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs.
5. Cooking the cream: Place the mixture over a double boiler and cook, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken. Once ready, let it cool.

Step 3: Flavoring the Cream
1. Dividing the cream: After the cream has cooled, divide it into three bowls.
2. Flavoring:
- In the first bowl, leave the cream plain, with a vanilla flavor.
- In the second bowl, add the lemon and orange zests, along with the lemon juice and, if desired, a bit of sugar from the jar of orange zest.
- In the third bowl, add the dark chocolate chips (make sure the cream is cool enough not to melt the chocolate).

Step 4: Incorporating the Cream
1. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes fluffy but not too stiff.
2. Mixing: Fold the whipped cream into each bowl of cream, gently mixing to avoid losing air in the mixture. This step is crucial to achieve an airy ice cream.

Step 5: Processing the Ice Cream
1. Pouring into the machine: Pour each mixture into the machine, alternating between the three flavors.
2. Mixing: Let the machine run for 15-30 minutes, depending on the model. If you don’t have a machine, pour the cream into a container and stir every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Step 6: Final Cooling
After the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and leave it in the freezer for a few hours to harden perfectly.

Serving the Ice Cream
When you are ready to enjoy this delicacy, take the ice cream out of the freezer, let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly, then serve it in cups or cones. A delicious idea is to accompany it with crunchy wafers or warm chocolate sauce.

Practical Tips
- Sugar: If you want a less sweet ice cream, adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
- Flavors: Experiment with other flavors, such as coffee or nuts, to customize the recipe to your preferences.
- Chocolate chips: Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for a more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the leftover egg whites? Yes, the egg whites can be used to make meringue or other desserts.
2. How can I customize the recipe? You can replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate or herbs for a unique taste.
3. Is the recipe suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with vegan alternatives for milk and cream.

Nutritional Benefits
This homemade ice cream provides a balance of protein from the eggs, calcium from the milk, and antioxidants from dark chocolate. The citrus adds vitamin C, and the combination of flavors will enrich the tasting experience.

In conclusion, this recipe for mixed ice cream with vanilla, chocolate chips, and citrus is not only easy to prepare but also delicious. Experiment, add your own notes, and enjoy every spoonful. Enjoy your meal!