If there's one dessert that many people can't resist, it's ice cream. It is sweet, creamy and irresistibly delicious. Ice cream is surprisingly easy to make at home as long as you have the right recipe and technique. We will help you how to make your favorite ice cream.
Start with the best ingredients
The ice cream is as good as they get its components. Therefore, if you can afford it, buy organic milk and cream and home-grown eggs and make sure everything is as fresh as possible. If you're adding flavors or ingredients like chocolate, vanilla, or fruit, look for high-quality products.
Think about fat and calories later
If you're trying to watch what you eat, you're probably buying low-fat versions of cheese, milk, and other foods. But ice cream depends on high fat content, to create a creamy texture that won't freeze and crumble in the freezer. Once you get enough practice, you can experiment with using low-fat dairy, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor won't be nearly as rich.
Know when to add flavorings
Flavorings should be added while cooking the cream cools. Do not add them to the cream while it is hot, as the flavors will spoil and not be as pronounced.
Cool the cream well
Many ice cream recipes call for whipping cream from eggs, sugar and milk. After you have made the cream, it is important to cool it in the refrigerator so that it cools down as much as possible before putting it in the ice cream maker. Some experts even recommend that the mixture it stays in the fridge overnight, which will allow the mixture in the machine to aerate as much as possible and thus give you the creamiest and smoothest ice cream.
How to make homemade ice cream
The exact process of making homemade ice cream depends on the type. But generally this involves making a base and freezing it until the mixture is firm. To prepare a classic egg-based ice cream, the first step is to make the cream. Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and slowly mix in the milk. Cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring constantly, for 5 to 10 minutes. Then pour the cream through a strainer into a large, well-chilled bowl. This will prevent the cream from cooking. Once cooled, you can add ingredients and flavorings.
The next step is mixing the mixture in an ice cream machine. Beating only to a soft consistency is recommended. Remember that ice cream is still made of cream. If it you are mixing too much, it starts to turn into butter, which affects the final texture. After mixing the ice cream, you can add pieces of chocolate, frozen strawberries or nuts. It is best to do this after mixing (and before storing) as most machines do not work well with such ingredients. Finally, transfer the ice cream to an airtight plastic container and then place it in the freezer for at least four hours.
Ice cream without a machine
You can make ice cream without cooking. Simply whip cream and confectioners' sugar until you get the consistency of whipped cream, then fold it into the sweetened condensed milk. Add flavorings, if using, and pour mixture into an airtight plastic container and freeze for one hour. Then take it out of the freezer every hour and stir it. Repeat this process at least four times, to make real ice cream. Then leave it untouched in the freezer for another two hours before serving.
How to store homemade ice cream
Homemade ice creams usually have a short shelf life. This is because they are made without chemical stabilizers, which are responsible for a long service life. However, most homemade ice creams will last about a month in the freezer if stored properly. It is necessary to ensure airtight container, which removes air bubbles. These cause ice crystals, which after freezing damage the final consistency of the product. Also protect the surface of the ice cream by placing directly on top plastic film. This ensures that no excess air or moisture collects on the ice cream, helping it stay smooth and creamy. Add the plastic wrap as soon as you pack the ice cream and then again every time you take it out.
