I love ice cream and have been making homemade ice cream for over a decade. Even though making homemade ice cream is just as expensive as store bought, it’s more than worth it. Homemade ice cream is better for so many different reasons. First of all, you control the ingredients that go into your recipe. This also means you control the ingredients that do not go into your homemade ice cream, such as preservatives. You also get to control the flavor when you make homemade ice cream. You will be able to make flavors that you’ll never find in your grocery store. In this article, I hope to give you some valuable tips on how to make homemade ice cream.
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Tip #1: Buy an Electric Ice Cream Maker
Sure, a hand crank ice cream maker is authentic, but it also takes several hours of backbreaking labor. An electric model is so much easier to use. You can also find affordable machines online. A good quality model will cost well under $100. I spent $60 on my electric ice cream maker and it was well worth every penny.
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Tip #2: Read the Instructions
Once you have purchased an ice cream maker, read the instructions thoroughly. Many models will instruct you to freeze the mixing bowl at least 24 hours before making your homemade ice cream. You will also need to chill your homemade ice cream mix in the freezer at least 30 minutes before pouring it into the machine. Please note that you will not get a completely frozen product. You must freezer your homemade ice cream or serve it as soft serve. Also remember to start the machine before pouring in your mix, or you will end up with an icy mixture.
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Tip #3: Buy High Quality Ingredients
While you can make homemade ice cream with milk, the best homemade ice cream is made with a mixture of heavy cream and half-and-half. This gives you a velvety texture that you won’t find in most brands you purchase at the grocery store. Also choose high quality mix-ins, such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or M&Ms.;
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Tip #4: Don’t Add Too Many Ingredients
I once made a batch of homemade ice cream I thought would be heavenly. I added large chocolate morsels and whole pecan halves. More isn’t always better. I was left with a product that was more pecans and chocolate than homemade ice cream. If you do add big pieces, only add a few so that the final product is more than candy and nuts.
How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Tip #5: Don’t Buy a Cookbook
There are tons of recipes online for homemade ice cream. You will even find recipes for some of your favorite store bought flavors, such as Ben & Jerry’s. Your ice cream maker will also come with a basic vanilla recipe which can be turned into many different flavors with just a few simple additions. Be creative and add your favorite flavors for a truly customized homemade ice cream.
Reference:
- Find an electric ice cream maker at – www.amazon.com
