Vanilla flavored ice cream

Childhood Ice Cream: The Sweet Taste of Memories

Homemade ice cream is not just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic memory that takes us back in time. This vanilla ice cream recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for enjoying on a warm summer day or for bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones. Whether you serve it plain, with toppings, or combined with other desserts, your ice cream is sure to be the star of the evening.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 500 ml milk
- 250 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 50 g butter
- Vanilla extract (to taste)

A Bit of History

Ice cream has a long history, with roots in ancient practices of mixing snow or ice with various ingredients. Over time, it has evolved and been embraced by different cultures, becoming a symbol of summer and joy. The recipe we present today is a reinterpretation of old traditions, offering an authentic taste and creamy texture that reminds us of warm days spent in childhood.

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparing the base mixture
Start by taking a bowl and adding the teaspoon of cornstarch. Dissolve the cornstarch with a little milk, mixing well to avoid lumps. Make sure the milk is at room temperature to facilitate this process. A good idea is to use warm milk, but not hot, to prevent the egg yolks from curdling.

2. Combining the ingredients
Add the sugar and egg yolks to the cornstarch and milk mixture, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth composition. If you prefer an ultra-creamy ice cream, it’s essential to avoid lumps. If you happen to notice lumps after boiling, don’t worry! You can strain them out once the mixture is ready.

3. Heating the mixture
In a separate saucepan, place the remaining milk over medium heat and add the butter. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted. Once the butter has melted, add the egg yolk and cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Boiling the mixture
Keep the mixture on the heat until it reaches boiling point, being careful not to let it boil too long. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and continue stirring for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.

5. Cooling the mixture
Transfer the mixture to a container and place it in a bowl of cold water. Stir occasionally to speed up the cooling process. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, as rapid cooling helps prevent crystallization.

6. Adding the vanilla
Once the mixture is cool, add the vanilla extract, adjusting the amount to your taste. You can use pure vanilla extract for a more intense flavor or an artificial variant if you prefer.

7. Freezing
Place the mixture in the freezer, making sure to stir it every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. Allow it to freeze for at least 2 hours or until it is firm and easy to serve.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Recipe variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa for chocolate ice cream or fruit puree for a fruity version. Additionally, chopped nuts or chocolate chips are great for added texture.
- Serving: Serve the ice cream in cups, adding toppings like chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, or marshmallows. Give it a personal touch with a drizzle of honey or caramel.
- Creamy ice cream: If you want a creamier ice cream, you can add a pack of heavy cream to the cooled mixture before placing it in the freezer.

Nutritional Benefits

Homemade ice cream has the advantage of being made with natural ingredients, free from additives or preservatives. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, and eggs contain essential proteins and vitamins. Plus, you can control the amount of sugar, making it healthier than store-bought versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do if my ice cream is too hard?
If your ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can also gently stir it with a spoon before serving to make it easier to scoop.

2. How can I store the ice cream?
Ice cream keeps well in the freezer for up to a month. Make sure it is covered in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the freezer.

3. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can substitute cow's milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk. Be mindful of the texture, as some types of plant-based milk may affect the final consistency of the ice cream.

Conclusion

This simple vanilla ice cream recipe will not only cool you down on hot days but will also bring a touch of nostalgia with every scoop. It’s an easy recipe, perfect for beginners, and can be customized according to your preferences. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious dessert that will make every moment special. Enjoy!