This Is Your Handy Guide - And Sign - To Make The Perfect Brain Freeze Ice Cream And Desserts

If there’s one thing ice cream does, it's to bring people together. Any party or other special occasion will see ice cream as part of its ranks. It has a way of bringing people together and creating lovely memories. It's enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. From classics like vanilla and chocolate to fruity ones like strawberry and mango to more complex flavors like salted caramel and mint, ice creams come in a host of varieties, flavors and textures. Instead of buying some from outside, if you want to make your own, here’s everything you need to know. And trust us, there’s something special about making your own ice cream, and you're absolutely going to want to try making your own.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts
  • Fruit puree
  • Cookie crumbles
  • Caramel sauce

And here’s the basic equipment you’ll need:

• Ice cream maker
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Ice cream storage container

The first thing you want to do is pull out a saucepan and combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar and salt in it. Let this mixture heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved. The mixture should be hot but not boiling. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Once mixed, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled, pop it in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, but overnight is preferable if you have the time. 

Once it is chilled, pour the base into the ice cream maker. Now, churn according to the instructions on the machine. Depending on the machine, it can take anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, the ice cream should be thick and creamy, and have a soft serve consistency.

If you want to add any mix ins, now is the time to do so. This can include anything from flavors to chocolate chips or nuts and even food coloring. By adding these in during the last few minutes of churning, you’ll ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream. 

Once ready, transfer the ice cream to a container and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover teh container with a lid or a plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. It needs to freeze for a minimum of four hours, and maybe more, essentially until it's firm. 

Once fully frozen, the ice cream is ready to serve. Scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy. You can even get more inventive and make sundaes, milkshakes or ice cream sandwiches.

Quick tips:

• It's best to pre plan if you want to make ice cream. This way, you can freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker - we recommend popping it in the freezer for at least 12 hours. If this is chilled, then the ice cream will firm up in a much better way.
• Use good quality ingredients, especially the heavy cream and milk. The better they are, the smoother and richer your ice cream is going to turn out. This will ensure amazing flavor and texture.
• Before you start churning it in the ice cream machine, ensure the ice cream base is chilled thoroughly. This way it will hold onto the churning and lead to a creamier texture.
• But make sure you don't over-churn the ice cream, or it might end up leading to a grainy texture, since it will start to break apart.
• Have fun with the flavors and mix ins and remember, you're only limited by your imagination. So let your creativity run wild.
• It can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a month. Press some plastic wrap or foil onto the top of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. The ice cream will be easy to scoop at first, but as it sits in the freezer it will get firmer. So later, you might need to let it sit at room temperature and thaw for a little while before you can scoop it out.