Strawberry ice cream

Strawberry Ice Cream – A Refreshing Delight for Any Occasion

Do you dream of a creamy ice cream, full of flavor and with an intense strawberry taste? Well, you've come to the perfect recipe! This strawberry ice cream is not just a delicious dessert, but also a memory of summer when strawberries are at their peak. Whether you want to treat your family, impress friends, or simply cool off, this recipe is ideal. I will provide you with detailed steps to achieve perfect ice cream, as well as some tricks and variations to enrich your culinary experience.

Preparation Time:
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours (depending on freezing time)
- Servings: 6 generous servings

Ingredients:
- 5 cups milk (approximately 1.2 liters)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 tablespoon flour (approximately 10 g)
- 2 cups crushed strawberries (pulp plus juice, approximately 300 g)

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Start by cracking the three eggs into a large bowl. Use a whisk to beat them lightly until they become fluffy. This is when the eggs release their potential and contribute to a light texture of the ice cream.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Flour
In another bowl, combine the sugar with the flour. Mixing these dry ingredients before adding them to the eggs helps prevent lumps. Add the sugar and flour mixture to the bowl with the eggs and continue to mix until you achieve a smooth composition.

Step 3: Incorporate the Milk
Now, take the 5 cups of milk and gently heat them in a saucepan over low heat, without bringing them to a boil. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. This is called "tempering the eggs" and helps prevent them from curdling.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture
Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously. It's essential to be patient in this step; stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes creamy. This is your ice cream base, which will give a rich and smooth texture to the final product.

Step 5: Cool the Base
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is crucial, as a cold base will help the ice cream freeze evenly.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberries
In the meantime, take care of the strawberries. Make sure you have fresh, ripe strawberries to achieve a sweet and flavorful taste. Wash them well, remove the stems, and crush them with a fork or in a blender, leaving some larger pieces for texture. Add the juice obtained during the crushing process to the ice cream mixture.

Step 7: Combine the Ingredients
After the base has completely cooled, add the crushed strawberries and mix well. Make sure there are no lumps left to achieve a uniform and flavorful ice cream.

Step 8: Freeze the Ice Cream
Transfer the mixture to a plastic container with a tight lid. If you have an ice cream maker, you can use it to churn the mixture during freezing, which will help achieve a creamier texture. If not, simply place the container in the freezer. Stir the ice cream every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Step 9: Serve
Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop. You can serve it plain, with fresh strawberry pieces on top, or with melted chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Helpful Tip:
Strawberry ice cream pairs wonderfully with a slice of vanilla cake or even a crunchy cookie, adding an interesting texture. A refreshing lemonade or a fruit cocktail goes perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 5 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain the excess water before crushing them.

2. How can I improve the texture of the ice cream?
Using an ice cream maker helps achieve a creamier texture, but manual stirring every 30 minutes has a similar effect.

3. Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can try peaches, raspberries, or even a mix of berries to create a varied ice cream.

4. How can I keep the ice cream longer?
Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and to keep its fresh flavor.

This strawberry ice cream is not just a dessert, but an experience full of flavor and joy. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the sweet memories of summer!