Vanilla ice cream

Vanilla ice cream – a basic yet flavorful recipe that you can make at home, no matter the season. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for dessert lovers who can’t resist a bowl of ice cream, even on the coldest winter days. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s explore the steps to create the creamiest and most aromatic vanilla ice cream together.

Preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Freezing time: 8 hours
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- Yolks from 4 eggs
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 250 ml warm milk
- 1 vanilla pod
- 200 ml heavy cream

Necessary utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk
- Double boiler
- Ice cream maker or a container for freezing
- Silicone spatula
- Kitchen thermometer (optional, but recommended)

Making the vanilla ice cream

Step 1: Prepare the ice cream maker bowl
Start by preparing the ice cream maker. Make sure the bowl is placed in the freezer for at least 8 hours before you begin. This step is essential for achieving a creamy texture without ice crystals.

Step 2: Separate the yolks
In a bowl, carefully separate the yolks from the whites. It’s important that no traces of egg whites are in the yolks, as this will affect the final consistency of the ice cream.

Step 3: Egg cream
Add the sugar and a pinch of salt to the yolks. Use a mixer or whisk to beat them vigorously until they become frothy and change color to pale yellow. This step will give the ice cream an airy texture.

Step 4: Infuse the milk with vanilla
In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil and add the seeds extracted from the vanilla pod, along with the pod itself. Let it boil for a few minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Ideally, the milk should be warm but not hot, to avoid cooking the eggs.

Step 5: Mixing
Gradually pour the warm milk over the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once combined, transfer it back to the saucepan and place it over a double boiler. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 10 minutes). A useful trick is to test the consistency with the back of a spoon; if you can draw a line through it, it’s ready!

Step 6: Cooling the cream
Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. If at any point it seems to have “scrambled,” don’t panic! Let it cool, and the texture will improve.

Step 7: Whipping the cream
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes fluffy but not completely firm. Gradually add the egg cream, continuing to mix to combine the ingredients.

Step 8: Chilling and mixing
Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker. Let it churn for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your machine model. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the cream in a container and put it in the freezer. Take it out every 30 minutes and stir with a fork or mixer to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Step 9: Freezing
Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Serving
Vanilla ice cream is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with various toppings! I recommend pairing it with fruit preserves, chocolate sauce, or even fresh fruits for a contrast of textures and flavors. If you want to give it a twist, you can add some caramelized nuts or chocolate chips.

Chef’s tip
Vanilla ice cream is the perfect base for many experiments. You can add various flavors, such as coffee, cocoa, or berries, to create personalized variations. Another idea is to replace some of the milk with cream for an even richer taste!

Nutritional benefits
This vanilla ice cream contains protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk, making it a healthier alternative compared to commercial products packed with additives. Additionally, vanilla is known for its antioxidant properties, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- My ice cream turned out icy. What did I do wrong? You may not have mixed it enough or did not use an ice cream maker. Make sure to stir every 30 minutes if using the freezer.
- Can I use plant-based milk? Absolutely! You can replace cow's milk with almond or coconut milk, but the taste and texture may vary.
- What can I do with the leftover egg whites? You can use the egg whites to make meringue or add them to omelets.

Combinations and variations
This vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade, giving you an elegant and refreshing dessert. Plus, it’s fantastic with warm cakes or pancakes.

I encourage you to enjoy every step of making this vanilla ice cream and share it with your loved ones. Homemade ice cream is not just a dessert; it’s an experience full of flavor and joy. Enjoy!