vanilla ice cream

Vanilla Ice Cream

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes + 4 hours of freezing
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn't love a creamy and delicious ice cream that refreshes you on hot summer days? Vanilla ice cream is a classic dessert, easy to make, that brings back memories of childhood and beautiful moments spent with loved ones. This ice cream recipe is not just a sweet treat, but also a wonderful opportunity to experiment in the kitchen.

Ingredients:
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 250 ml cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

The history of vanilla ice cream is fascinating. Over the centuries, people from various cultures have tried to create refreshing sweets from milk and ice. Ice cream, as we know it today, evolved in Italy in the 17th century, and vanilla quickly became a staple ingredient due to its unmistakable flavor and popularity in cooking.

Let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Use fresh yolks, preferably from organic eggs, to achieve a beautiful color and intense flavor in your ice cream. Tip: if you want a richer flavor, you can use natural vanilla extract or even a vanilla pod.

Step 2: Mixing the yolks
In a medium bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes a light, pale foam. This is when the sugar will dissolve completely, and the texture will become airy.

Step 3: Boiling the milk
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Watch it closely as it needs to reach the boiling point. When the milk starts to boil, turn off the heat.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Now, using a spatula or a whisk, pour the hot milk in a thin stream over the yolk mixture, continuously stirring to avoid curdling the eggs. This process is called tempering and is essential for achieving a smooth texture.

Step 5: Cooking the mixture
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. It is important not to bring it to a boil, as this could ruin the fine texture of the ice cream. When the mixture coats the back of a spoon, it is ready.

Step 6: Cooling the mixture
Once the mixture has thickened, transfer it to a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add the whipped cream (almost to the desired consistency) and vanilla extract. Gently mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 7: Freezing process
Pour the mixture into freezing containers. Place them in the freezer for a few hours. After about an hour, take the ice cream out and vigorously mix it with a mixer or spatula to break up any ice crystals that may form. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy and smooth ice cream.

Step 8: Final freezing
After mixing the ice cream, put it back in the freezer and let it freeze completely for at least 3 hours.

Serving and suggestions
Now that your vanilla ice cream is ready, you can serve it plain, or use it as a base for other desserts. It is delicious alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries, as well as with chocolate or caramel sauce. You can also try interesting combinations, such as vanilla ice cream with chocolate cake or apple crumble.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk?
Yes, but the texture and flavor may change. Almond or coconut milk are popular options, but make sure to choose unsweetened varieties to avoid altering the ice cream's taste.

2. How can I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Mixing the ice cream halfway through the freezing process is essential to break up ice crystals. Use an electric mixer for the best results.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Certainly! You can explore various flavors, such as cocoa, coffee, or fruits, by adding them to the mixture before freezing. Experiment and find your favorite combination.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of vanilla ice cream has about 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and cream used. This ice cream is a good source of calcium and milk proteins, but moderation is essential, especially for those on a low-calorie diet.

Variations:
- Chocolate vanilla ice cream: Add dark chocolate chunks to the mixture before freezing.
- Caramel vanilla ice cream: Mix caramel sauce into the mixture before freezing for an explosion of flavors.
- Fruit vanilla ice cream: Add fruit puree such as raspberry or mango for a fresh touch.

This vanilla ice cream is a simple yet incredibly versatile recipe that can be customized in many ways. By trying it, you will discover not only a delicious dessert but also a way to express your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!