vanilla ice cream

Ingredients for vanilla ice cream:

- 300 ml milk (preferably whole milk for a creamy texture)
- 400-500 ml liquid cream (ideally with a fat content of at least 35%)
- 150 g sugar (white sugar is standard, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a caramelized taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1-2 tablespoons of natural vanilla extract)
- 4 fresh egg yolks (make sure they are high quality)
- 1 vanilla essence (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 6-8

Vanilla ice cream is one of the most beloved treats worldwide. This simple yet refined recipe, combining milk, cream, and eggs, will take you on a flavor journey, bringing back memories of warm summers and evenings spent with loved ones. Whether served plain, with various toppings, or as a base for other desserts, vanilla ice cream will never go out of style.

Step by step for perfect vanilla ice cream:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. The egg yolks should be fresh; you can check this with a small test: if they float in water, they are fresh.

2. Boiling the milk: In a medium saucepan, pour in the 300 ml of milk and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Wait until the milk starts to boil, but do not let it boil vigorously.

3. Mixing the yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with the 150 g of sugar and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to achieve a homogeneous mixture. This mixing should take about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes slightly lighter in color and fluffy.

4. Adding the milk: Carefully pour the hot milk in a thin stream over the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. This technique, known as tempering, helps achieve a smooth texture.

5. Thickening the mixture: Place the obtained mixture back on low heat. Continue to stir constantly with a wooden spatula or whisk. Cook until the mixture thickens and reaches the consistency of pancake batter. This process can take between 5-10 minutes.

6. Cooling the mixture: Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

7. Preparing the cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until soft peaks form. Make sure the bowl and mixer are cold to achieve perfect whipped cream. This step is essential for adding air and volume to your ice cream.

8. Combining the mixtures: Once the egg and milk mixture has completely cooled, carefully fold it into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and mix gently, from bottom to top, to maintain the air in the cream.

9. Freezing: Pour the mixture into a freezer container and cover it. Leave it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, but it is recommended to leave it overnight for an ideal texture.

10. Mixing to avoid ice crystals: After about 2 hours, take the ice cream out of the freezer and mix it well with a mixer or spatula to prevent ice crystals from forming. Put it back in the freezer.

11. Serving: When you are ready to serve, take the ice cream out of the freezer about 5-10 minutes beforehand to soften slightly. You can serve it plain or with toppings like chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, or roasted nuts.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, you can replace the vanilla sugar with a vanilla pod. Cut it lengthwise, remove the seeds, and add them to the milk at the beginning of the process.
- Another delicious option is to add some chocolate chunks or nuts to the ice cream mixture before freezing.
- Make sure the container in which you store the ice cream is airtight to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer.

Nutrients and calories: A serving of vanilla ice cream has about 250-300 calories, depending on the fat content of the cream and milk. This ice cream is a good source of calcium and protein, but consumed in moderation, it is a treat that can make any day more special.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use skim milk? While it can be used, the ice cream will have a less creamy texture.
2. How can I avoid ice crystal formation? Mixing the ice cream every 2 hours during freezing helps maintain a smooth texture.
3. Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! You can try fruit, coffee, or chocolate flavors.

Recipes and drinks that pair well with vanilla ice cream: This ice cream is perfect alongside warm chocolate cakes, fruit pies, or even as a topping for a smoothie. You can serve it with a glass of sparkling wine or fresh lemonade for a pleasant contrast.

This vanilla ice cream recipe is simple yet offers an unforgettable experience. Whether making it for a special occasion or simply wanting to treat yourself, your ice cream will surely be a hit! Enjoy every spoonful and indulge in this homemade delight!