Vanilla ice cream dessert

Vanilla Ice Cream with Nuts and a Hint of Cocoa

Welcome to the delicious world of vanilla ice cream! This simple yet refined recipe will help you create a refreshing dessert, perfect for warm days or any special occasion. Whether you enjoy it on your own or share it with loved ones, vanilla ice cream with nuts and a hint of cocoa is sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

The history of ice cream has its roots in ancient culinary traditions, being a combination of milk and ice that has evolved over time. Today, ice cream is a symbol of summer and family joy, serving as a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit various tastes.

Ingredients:
- 5 fresh eggs
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of cream
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Nuts (optional)
- Raisins, coconut (optional)
- Vanilla essence (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the ice cream base
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar (1 cup) using an electric mixer or a whisk. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes lighter in color and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving an airy and creamy texture.

Step 2: Adding solid ingredients and milk
Add the vanilla sugar, flour, and milk to the egg yolk mixture. Mix well to avoid lumps. Then, transfer the mixture to a saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until it thickens, similar to the consistency of a pudding. Now, let it cool. A quick method is to place the saucepan in a sink filled with cold water, which will speed up the cooling process.

Step 3: Incorporating the cream
Once the ice cream base has completely cooled, add the cream. Gently mix until everything is well combined. This ingredient will add a rich and creamy texture to your ice cream.

Step 4: Preparing the meringue
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy with the remaining sugar (1 cup) until you achieve a stiff meringue. It’s important that the bowl and utensils used are completely clean, and that no yolk is present in the egg whites, to achieve a perfect foam.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Carefully fold the meringue into the egg yolk mixture, gently mixing with a spatula to maintain the air in the meringue. Add the vanilla essence and, if desired, the nuts, raisins, or coconut for added texture and flavor.

Step 6: Creating the marbled effect
Set aside 4 tablespoons of the final mixture and mix them with the cocoa. Now, pour the base mixture into cups or ice cream containers, followed by the cocoa mixture. Use a fork to gently swirl it, creating a marbled effect. This detail not only looks fantastic but also adds a delightful chocolate note.

Step 7: Freezing
Now it’s time to let the magic happen! Place the cups or containers in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until the ice cream is fully set. I recommend checking it after 3 hours to ensure it has reached the desired consistency.

Serving and variations
When you're ready to serve, take the ice cream out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. You can garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, some toasted nuts, and why not, a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant touch.

The variations are endless! You can add fresh fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, to the base mixture to create a fruit ice cream. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as coffee or chocolate, instead of vanilla.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use skim milk?
Yes, but the ice cream will be less creamy. Use whole milk for the best results.

2. How can I keep the ice cream longer?
Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.

3. Can it be made without sugar?
Absolutely! You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities to taste.

Nutritional benefits
This vanilla ice cream is not just a treat; it’s also a good source of protein and calcium thanks to the eggs and milk. The cream adds healthy fats, and the optional nuts and fruits provide extra fiber and vitamins.

Practical tips
- Ensure the ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to homogenize the mixture before freezing.
- Experiment with various topping combinations to find the perfect match for you.

So, get ready to enjoy your own vanilla ice cream with nuts and a hint of cocoa, a dessert that is sure to impress anyone! Whether you serve it at a party, a family dinner, or simply to cool off on a hot day, this recipe will definitely be a hit. Enjoy!