Strawberry ice cream

Strawberry ice cream is a delicacy that harmoniously blends sweet and fruity flavors, bringing a touch of freshness on hot days. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for impressing family and friends, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you are preparing to celebrate a birthday, a garden party, or simply want to treat yourself after a long day, strawberry ice cream will surely bring a smile to your face.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 325 g heavy cream (24% fat)
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar (you can also use a sweetener like Green Sugar for a healthier option)
- 140 g fresh strawberries
- 50 g milk chocolate

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure the cream is cold and the strawberries are well washed. The strawberries should be ripe but not too soft to achieve an intense flavor and pleasant texture. It is important to note that you can also use frozen strawberries, but they should be thawed before use.

2. Whip the cream: In a large bowl, pour the cream and use a mixer to whip it lightly. Gradually add the tablespoons of powdered sugar while continuing to mix. You will know the cream is ready when it doubles in volume and becomes fluffy. This step is essential for achieving airy ice cream.

3. Melt the chocolate: In a small bowl, melt the milk chocolate. You can opt for the classic method, using a double boiler, or the quick method in the microwave. If you choose the microwave option, make sure to pour it in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring after each to prevent burning.

4. Incorporate the chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool slightly, then add it to the whipped cream. Use a spatula to gently fold it in, ensuring the chocolate is well integrated. This combination will add a touch of richness to your ice cream.

5. Prepare the strawberry puree: Take about 100 g of strawberries and mash them with a fork to create a puree. This puree will add an intense strawberry flavor and a beautiful color to the ice cream.

6. Add the chopped strawberries: You can dice the remaining strawberries into small cubes. These will add texture to your ice cream, so be careful to gently fold them into the cream mixture, avoiding crushing them.

7. Freeze: Pour the final mixture into a container with a lid and place it in the freezer. It is ideal to let it cool for at least 2 hours, but for the best result, leave it overnight. If you want to avoid ice crystals forming, you can stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add a touch of acidity, you can use lemon juice in the strawberry puree. This will enhance the fruit flavor.
- The ice cream can be served with warm chocolate sauce or whipped cream for an impressive visual effect.
- You can replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or with white chocolate for a sweeter version.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberry ice cream is a good source of antioxidants due to the strawberries, which are rich in vitamin C. Additionally, the cream provides calcium and healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet. This recipe can be adapted to be healthier by replacing the cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries? Absolutely! Raspberry, mango, or peach ice cream are excellent options.
- How can I make the ice cream lower in calories? Replace the cream with Greek yogurt or use a calorie-free sweetener.
- How can I avoid ice crystals forming? Periodic stirring of the mixture during freezing is key.

Strawberry ice cream is not just a dessert; it is an experience that brings joy and indulgence in every spoonful. Whether you choose to enjoy it on hot summer days or as a sweet treat on winter evenings, your ice cream will surely be a hit! Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends to inspire them to discover the joy of cooking. Savor every moment and enjoy the results of your efforts!