Ways to Make Homemade Ice Cream

If you want to serve ice cream for dessert, it’s easy enough to run to the store and pick some up. However, there’s nothing like homemade ice cream. The question is, how are you going to make it? You could use an expensive electric ice cream machine or even an old-fashioned hand-crank machine but there are other ways to make homemade ice cream. Consider using one of these methods the next time you have a hankering for that cold, sweet treat.

Roll the Can – Gather two coffee cans, a 1-pound and a 3-pound. Mix together your favorite ice cream base and set it aside. You will also need 10 cups of ice, 1 1/2 cups of rock salt and duct tape. Put the 1-pound can inside the 3-pound can. Pour the mixture into the smaller can and then place the lid on the can. Be sure to seal the can with duct tape. Layer ice and salt around the inner can and then place the lid on the outer can. Place kids on opposite sides from each other and allow them to roll the can back and forth between them for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes check the ice cream. If it has not begun solidifying, have them resume their game. Recheck every 10 minutes until the ice cream is done.

Bag the Ice Cream – You can make ice cream in a similar fashion as with the can. Instead of using cans, however, you will use zip top bags of different sizes. Place the chilled ice cream base in the smaller bag (1-quart) which is then placed inside the larger bag (1-gallon). Add ice half-way ups the larger bag and about 1/2 cup of salt. Make sure the smaller bag is completely covered and zip up the bag. Wrap the larger bag inside several layers of plastic grocery bags and tape it closed. Shake the bags for at least 10 minutes and then check it. If it isn’t thick enough, pour the contents out of the bag and place it in the freezer until ready.

Start with Store Bought – Maybe the only thing you can find in the store is vanilla but your family wants something more exotic. Allow the store-bought ice cream to soften. Add whatever flavorings or additions you like. Chocolate chips, chopped fruit, cookie dough are different items you may want to add. Use your imagination and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind almost homemade ice cream your family will love.

Use a Blender or Food Processor – Place frozen fruit, cream, sugar and vanilla in a food processor or blender. Blend it for five or so minutes and the result should resemble ice cream in no time.

You don’t have to purchase store-bought ice cream when you really want homemade. Try one of these four methods for making homemade ice cream and you’ll have a sweet treat that’s good to eat. Some of these methods are quick, easy and something the whole family can have a part of the making.