Making ice cream with a ball maker is a fun and engaging activity, perfect for kids and adults alike. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to create your own homemade ice cream using an ice cream ball maker.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice
- Rock salt
Equipment
- Ice cream ball maker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved. This forms the base of your ice cream.
2. Fill the Ice Cream Ball
Open the ice cream ball maker and pour the ice cream mixture into the designated inner compartment. Make sure not to overfill it, leaving some space for expansion as the mixture freezes. Secure the lid tightly to prevent any leaks.
3. Add Ice and Rock Salt
In the outer compartment of the ice cream ball maker, add ice and rock salt. The rock salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, which helps freeze the ice cream mixture more efficiently. Fill the compartment with enough ice and rock salt to surround the inner chamber.
4. Start Rolling
Seal the outer compartment of the ice cream ball maker and start rolling it. You can roll, shake, or toss the ball back and forth for about 20-30 minutes. This process churns the ice cream mixture, helping it freeze evenly.
5. Check the Ice Cream
After 20-30 minutes, open the ice cream ball maker to check the consistency of the ice cream. If it’s not firm enough, you can add more ice and rock salt to the outer compartment and continue rolling for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, scoop it out into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade treat immediately. You can also add toppings like chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fruit for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Pre-chill the ingredients: For quicker results, chill the cream, milk, and mixing bowl in the refrigerator before starting.
- Use quality ingredients: The quality of the milk, cream, and vanilla extract will impact the flavor of your ice cream.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add mix-ins like crushed cookies, fruit purees, or flavored extracts to create your own unique ice cream flavors.
- Keep rolling: The more you roll the ice cream ball, the smoother and creamier your ice cream will be.
Enjoy making and savoring your homemade ice cream with this simple recipe!