Thursday, 26 January 2012
-
Homemade Ice Cream Without Using An Ice Cream Maker
In this article, I'm going to go through a simple recipe for making ice cream without the use of a machine! There a number of different methods and techniques you can use to make ice cream at home without the use of an ice cream maker, but in this article we're concentrating on the simplest.
The main reason why you need a machine, is that ice crystals form in the mixture if it is not constantly stirred while being frozen. Without care, you can end up with more of an ice cream flavoured ice lolly than proper ice cream! Ice Cream Makers solve this problem beautifully, and they also get air into the ice cream mixture in order to create a lovely smooth and light texture.
But if you don't have the space for an ice cream maker, you can still make ice cream. The simplest way, is the traditional custard-based method, which makes the ice cream out of actual cream, rather than milk. Cream simply won't develop the ice crystals that milk-based mixtures do, so all you do is to mix up the mixture, bung it in the freezer and forget about it! However if you still think you'd like to own an ice cream maker (which is one of the best kitchen gadgets that you can buy), then you should check out the reviews and get the best ice cream makeryou can find.
When it's finished freezing you'll be left with an absolutely delicious, thick and creamy ice cream; but it will be heavier and less fluffy that the milk-based ice cream you can make with an Ice Cream Maker. This is the perfect recipe for those occasions when you really want to spoil yourself with an indulgent desert.
Ingredients and preparation
- 2 vanilla pods
- 500ml of double cream
- 70g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
As I've previously mentioned, this is a quick one to prepare, and it should take you just 10 to 15 minutes, at most.
1) Slice the vanilla pods lengthways and use the end of a spoon handle to scrape out the seeds into a bowl. Place them to one side to be used later on.
2) Add the cream to a small pan, and throw in the scraped pods (but leave the seeds out for now). Apply heat and bring the cream to the boil whilst stirring.
3) Once the cream is boiling, mix in your sugar and stir it around until it is disolved completely. You'll know when it's done, by tapping your spoon on the bottom of the pan and listening for a crunching sound.
4) Whisk the egg yolks in a large stirring bowl. When beaten to a yellow liquid, slowly pour in the cream mixture whilst constantly whisking so that the egg and cream get mixed together well.
5) Sieve the mixture into another bowl (getting rid of the vanilla pods), and then add the vanilla seeds that you prepared earlier, and stir them into the mixture.
6) Grab a freezer proof container, and add the liquid, and throw into the freezer! Leave it in there until the mixture is set (it should take 2-3 hours).
7) Remember to lick out the bowl! Naughty, but nice!
And that's it; homemade ice cream without an ice cream machine! One thing to remember: you'll need to leave the ice cream outside of the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow it soften up a bit before eating. Hope you enjoy it!
-
Hi everyone! I'm just getting started on Xanga... Drop me a comment if you've got some ideas on what to do first - or just to say, "Hi!"
