Preparing ice cream from scratch with fresh, premium ingredients can make a rich indulgence all the more satisfying. In general, ice cream is made by beating sugar, cream, eggs and flavorings together, then stirring the mixture as it freezes. Done by hand, it's an intensive, time-consuming process. Using an electric ice cream maker cuts down on the time and muscle needed for each pint. Homemade ice cream is best when consumed within days, but generally keeps for up to three months if stored in a high-quality freezer container with a tight-fitting lid.
Electric Ice Cream Maker
Step 1
Combine 1/3 cup fine sugar with 1 cup milk in a saucepan over low heat; stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir in 2 tsp. vanilla, then let the mixture cool.
Step 2
Stir in the remaining 1 cup milk, 1 cup whipped cream, and a raw egg yolk, if desired. Adding a yolk increases the ice cream's richness.
Step 3
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and process it following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4
Churn the ice cream until it's almost firm, or roughly 40 minutes, then transfer it into the freezer container.
Step 5
Add 6 tbsp. mini chocolate chips, stirring them in quickly to prevent the ice cream from warming. Cover the ice cream with wax paper and place the lid on the container.
Step 6
Put the container in the coldest part of your freezer to set for about 15 minutes prior to serving. The recipe yields just over 1 pint of ice cream.
Hand-Mixing Method
Step 1
Set your freezer to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the freezer container inside to chill for at least an hour.
Step 2
Combine 1/3 cup fine sugar with 1 cup milk in a saucepan over low heat; stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir in 2 tsp. vanilla, then let the mixture cool.
Step 3
Stir in the remaining 1 cup milk, 1 cup whipped cream, and a raw egg yolk, if desired.
Step 4
Transfer the mixture into the chilled freezer container and cover it with wax paper and the lid. Put it in the coldest part of the freezer for about an hour.
Step 5
Scrape the frozen ice cream in from the edges with a fork, then quickly whisk the mixture until it's smooth and even. Immediately put it back in the freezer, covered, for another hour.
Step 6
Repeat the process two more times, folding the chocolate chips into the ice cream the last time. Cover the container and return it to the freezer to set completely.
Tips and Warnings
- If you hand mix your ice cream in a freezer container, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid. Metal works best, because it promotes faster freezing, but you can also use glass or plastic containers.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 1/3 cup fine sugar
- 2 cups whole milk, chilled
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped and chilled
- 1 raw egg yolk (optional)
- Ice cream maker
- Lidded freezer container
- Whisk (optional)
- 6 tbsp. mini chocolate chips
- Wax paper
References
- "500 Ice Creams, Sorbets & Gelatos"; Alex Barker; 2009
- "Ice Cream!"; Pippa Cuthbert, et al.; 2005
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