Strawberry and vanilla ice cream

Strawberry and vanilla ice cream: a refined delicacy for warm days

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Who doesn't love a creamy and refreshing ice cream on summer days? This strawberry and vanilla ice cream recipe combines the sweet and fruity flavors of strawberries with the delicacy of vanilla, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you want to impress guests at a party, cool off after a long day, or simply indulge yourself, this ice cream is the ideal choice.

A bit of history

Ice cream, a beloved dessert worldwide, has deep roots in history, having been mentioned in various forms since ancient times. Over the years, different cultures have experimented with combinations of milk, water, ice, and fruits. Strawberry and vanilla ice cream, in particular, is a classic combination, symbolizing the sweetness of summer and simple joy.

Ingredients

*For strawberry ice cream:*
- 350 g strawberries, cleaned and cut into 3-4 pieces
- 85 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 280 ml liquid cream
- lemon juice, to taste

*For vanilla ice cream:*
- 250 ml milk
- 250 ml liquid cream
- vanilla essence (preferably natural)
- 5 egg yolks
- 125 g sugar

Necessary tools

- Blender or mixer
- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Strainer or cheesecloth
- Plastic container for freezing
- Larger plastic box for mixing the ice creams

Step by step: Preparing the strawberry ice cream

1. Preparing the strawberry puree
Start by placing the chopped strawberries in a blender. Add 30 g of sugar and blend until you get a smooth puree. Taste and add lemon juice if you desire a more pronounced contrast. At this point, you can choose to keep some strawberry pieces to add to the final mixture for a more interesting texture.

2. Preparing the ice cream base
In a pot, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar (55 g) until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy. In another pot, heat the liquid cream over low heat, but do not let it boil. Once the cream is warm, gradually pour it into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

3. Thickening the mixture
Return the mixture to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes, until the composition thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. It is essential not to let the mixture boil, as this can lead to curdled eggs.

4. Straining and cooling
Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

5. Finalizing the strawberry ice cream
After the mixture has cooled, add the strawberry puree and mix well. Place the composition in plastic containers and leave in the freezer for 4 hours, stirring every hour to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Preparing the vanilla ice cream

1. Heating the milk and cream
In a separate pot, bring the milk and liquid cream to a boil. Bring the mixture close to boiling point, then remove from heat.

2. Beating the egg yolks
Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy and light in color. Gradually add some of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.

3. Thickening the mixture
Return the mixture to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes, until thickened. Do not let it boil! Strain the mixture and let it cool.

4. Adding the vanilla
Finally, add the vanilla essence and mix well. Place the composition in plastic containers and leave it in the freezer for 4 hours, stirring every hour.

Assembling the ice cream

1. Combining the ice creams
Once both ice creams are well frozen, take a larger plastic container and alternately add a spoonful of each type of ice cream. Use a knife to gently swirl the two types together, creating a marbled texture.

2. Final freezing
Cover the container and leave it in the freezer until the ice cream becomes solid, about 2-3 hours.

Serving suggestions

Strawberry and vanilla ice cream can be served plain, but you can also add delicious toppings such as chocolate sauce, fresh fruit pieces, or roasted nuts. Additionally, you can pair it with a glass of cold lemonade or a fruit cocktail for a refreshing summer experience.

Useful tips

- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for a more intense flavor.
- If you prefer a more natural taste, opt for vanilla essence from pods.
- Ensure the ice cream mixture remains creamy by stirring it every hour during freezing.
- You can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to experiment with different combinations.

Nutritional benefits

This strawberry and vanilla ice cream is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while eggs and milk provide essential proteins and calcium. Additionally, while liquid cream is high in fat, it adds unforgettable creaminess.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use store-bought ice cream?
If you don't have time to make ice cream at home, you can use store-bought ice cream, but the taste and texture will be different.

- How can I make the ice cream healthier?
Replace the liquid cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. You can also reduce the amount of sugar used.

- Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg-free ice cream recipe based on milk and cream, although the texture will be different.

This strawberry and vanilla ice cream recipe is simple yet refined, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. So put on your apron and enjoy every step of making this delicious dessert! Summer delights await you!