Strawberry ice cream

Strawberry ice cream is a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones, making it a perfect choice for warm days or moments when you want to treat yourself. This quick, creamy, and fragrant recipe is sure to become your favorite, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. In the end, you will have a strawberry ice cream that will impress any guests or family members. Let's start this culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 6 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 5-6 hours
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 800 g fresh strawberries
- 400 ml heavy cream (with at least 30% fat content)
- 400 ml liquid cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 ml milk
- 400 g sugar

Advantages of this recipe:
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making the ice cream not only a delicious dessert but also a healthier option compared to many other types of ice cream. Additionally, this recipe contains no preservatives or artificial colors, making it an excellent choice for families.

Tips and tricks for a perfect result:
1. Use very ripe strawberries to achieve a delicious and sweet puree. Fresh strawberries are ideal, but you can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available.
2. Make sure the heavy cream and liquid cream are well chilled before use to achieve a fluffier texture.
3. You can add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry puree to enhance the flavor and add a pleasant contrast of acidity.
4. If you enjoy more intense flavors, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the cream mixture.

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the egg cream:
- In a saucepan, add the egg yolks and sugar. Whisk them well with a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture becomes a light and fluffy cream.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to homogenize. Place the saucepan over low heat and continue stirring constantly. It is essential not to let it boil! The mixture is ready when it starts to thicken and coats the bottom of the saucepan. This step will create a creamy base for your ice cream.

2. Cooling the cream:
- Once the cream has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool completely. This is important to prevent the cream from freezing later.

3. Preparing the strawberry puree:
- Wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water and dry them with a paper towel. Cut them in half or quarters, then puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth. If desired, you can keep a few strawberry pieces for a rustic look in the ice cream.

4. Whipping the cream:
- In a large bowl, whip the liquid cream until soft peaks form. This is when the cream starts to hold its shape, but be careful not to overwhip it, or it will turn into butter.

5. Mixing the ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine the cooled egg cream with the strawberry puree. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon so that you don't lose the air in the whipped cream. Then, add the whipped cream and mix again until the mixture is homogeneous.

6. Freezing:
- Pour the mixture into a plastic container with a lid. Make sure it is well sealed to prevent ice crystals from forming. Place it in the freezer and let it freeze for 5-6 hours. If you have patience, leave it overnight for optimal results!

Serving suggestions:
When the ice cream is ready, take it out of the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. You can serve it in a bowl or in an ice cream cone, garnished with a few fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for added flavor. You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fruit? Of course! This recipe is versatile, so you can replace strawberries with raspberries, peaches, or mangoes to achieve other delicious flavors.
- How can I store the ice cream? You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, but it is best to consume it within a few weeks to enjoy the freshness of the taste.

Possible variations:
- Strawberry mint ice cream: Add a few fresh mint leaves to the strawberry puree for a refreshing flavor.
- Strawberry yogurt ice cream: Replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version with a slight tang.

This strawberry ice cream recipe is not only a great way to treat yourself but also an opportunity to enjoy a refined and flavorful dessert together with your loved ones. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the fresh taste of strawberries!