Homemade Ice Cream: A Nostalgic Delight

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Category: Frozen Desserts
Servings: 35 (1 gallon)
Rating: ★★★★★ (4 Reviews)

Description:
Homemade ice cream has always held a special place in my heart, tracing back to my childhood in the warm summers of Iowa, where the laughter of family gatherings and the soothing taste of creamy ice cream blended perfectly under the sun. A hand-cranked ice cream freezer, a treasured wedding gift over 43 years ago, was the starting point of my ice cream adventure. After trying numerous recipes that never quite satisfied my taste buds, I embarked on a culinary journey of experimentation. My efforts culminated in a delightful recipe that won first place in the Clark County Dairy Wives Recipe Contest in 1989, proudly showcasing the spirit of homemade goodness. While my favorite flavor is the classic vanilla, this versatile base can be customized with fruits, syrups, or nuts to suit any palate.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Begin by cracking 6 fresh eggs into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs on medium-high speed until they are thick and pale in color, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. The goal here is to incorporate plenty of air into the mixture, creating a light and fluffy base.

2. Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups of granulated sugar to the beaten eggs. Continue to beat the mixture on high speed for an additional 5 minutes. This step is crucial—don’t rush it! The longer you mix, the creamier your ice cream will be.

3. Add the Cream and Vanilla: Once the egg and sugar mixture has reached a smooth consistency, gently stir in 1 quart of heavy whipping cream along with 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract. For a less rich version, you may substitute 1 pint of cream instead of the quart.

4. Combine and Prepare for Churning: Carefully pour the ice cream mixture into the ice cream maker’s pail. Gradually add milk until you reach the fill line, which is about 1.5 inches from the top of the pail. This addition will help create the creamy texture we all love.

5. Set Up the Freezer: Insert the paddle into the pail and secure the lid tightly. Attach the handle piece to the top of the pail and lock it into place. This setup ensures that the mixture stays contained while it churns.

6. Pack with Ice and Salt: In a large container, combine ice and salt in an 8:1 ratio—8 parts ice to 1 part salt. This is essential for achieving the freezing temperature needed to create smooth ice cream. You’ll need a generous amount of ice to ensure proper freezing.

7. Churn to Perfection: Crank the handle or, if using an electric freezer, switch it on. Continue to churn the ice cream until it reaches a firm, frozen consistency. This process typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your machine.

8. Storage: Once the ice cream has reached your desired firmness, remove the pail from the ice and salt mixture. Transfer the homemade ice cream into covered plastic containers for storage in your home freezer. This ice cream can be kept for several weeks—if it lasts that long!

9. Optional Adjustments: For those looking to make a larger batch (1.5 gallons), simply increase your ingredients to 9 eggs, 3 cups of sugar, 3 tablespoons of vanilla, and 1 quart plus 1 pint of whipping cream. This allows for plenty of creamy goodness to share with family and friends.

Enjoy Your Creation!

There you have it—a delightful homemade ice cream recipe that not only evokes sweet childhood memories but also allows for endless customization. Whether you choose to indulge in the classic vanilla or experiment with your favorite mix-ins, this ice cream will surely become a staple in your home, just as it has been in mine for decades. So, gather your loved ones, crank that handle, and enjoy the refreshing reward of your hard work!

Keywords

Dessert, Frozen Treats, Homemade Ice Cream, Family Recipe, Easy Dessert, Classic Vanilla, Customizable Flavors, Summer Treats, Nostalgic Desserts, Ice Cream Maker Recipe