Ice cream brings back great memories for me of time with my family. When I was a kid we took epic car trips every summer. My dad had a late 1970's Lincoln Continental he used to cram my mom, my grandparents, and three kids into, along with all of our luggage. I remember few things about the long drives as I usually spent them sleeping. Recently, it dawned on me that I took alot of Dramamine on those trips, which as the oldest child, was probably a blessing for the adults since I was always picking fights with my sisters.
After hours and hours in the car, we would stop for lunch or a bathroom run. It was a much different time then, so fast food was a huge treat. My dad loved ice cream, so we were almost guaranteed a cone or a sundae on one of our stops. Inevitably it would be time to get back on the road, after which we'd be reminded that someone in the car was lactose intolerant and the youngest had a tendency to get car sick after eating dairy. Ah, fun times.
My kids share my love for ice cream, too. We always have multiple flavors open, and when we are out I've got near riot-like conditions on my hands. A few years ago I bought an electric ice cream maker and really threw myself into making it. It is so incredibly easy, but guests will treat you like royalty if you make it for them. No lie.
This Labor Day this I made The Best Peach Ice Cream. It is sooo good. (I just ate a bowl of it while I was writing this). I tried out a new recipe and got the seal of approval from my 8 year old: Strawberry and Bittersweet Chocolate. I have a Cusinart Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Maker. I mix up the ingredients, add it to the frozen bowl, and flip the "on" switch. 25 minutes later, I have ice cream. I normally freeze it for the next day as I think it tastes better, but have been known to eat it right out of the mixing bowl. Labor Day may be over, but ice cream is a year round treat!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced peaches
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugars, lemon juice and extracts. Stir to combine and allow to sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sugars have dissolved and the peaches are juicy.
- Place peach mixture in a blender or food processor and pulse until the peaches are broken down but not totally pureed some small chunks of peaches are ok. Add in the heavy cream and mix to combine.
- Pour the mixture into an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for 12 hours or even overnight.
- When base is chilled, follow manufacturer's directions for churning in your ice cream maker. Once churned, place in an airtight, freezersafe container and freeze for a few hours to harden before serving.
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup white sugar
2 cups fresh strawberries, mashed
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, berries and vanilla.
Pour into ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions.
Add chocolate chips in for the last 5 minutes of churning.
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