Summer just wouldn't be the same without homemade ice cream. I have very fond memories of helping my papa fill the ice cream maker with layers of ice and rock salt, the anticipation of cold, creamy treats just about killing me. Now, I have one of the new Cuisinart ice cream makers and while it isn't quite the same, it is convinenent (I'll have to get the old-school kind when Jude is older). Jason's favorite flavor is vanilla, so I made a batch for Father's Day. The thing I like about the recipe is that there are no eggs, which means it takes about 5 minutes to put together, and it tastes lighter and cleaner than the traditional version. Here's the recipe:
1 whole vanilla bean
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 cups heavy cream
1 1/8 cups sugar
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1. Cut vanilla bean in half and, using the back of the knife, scrape all of the seeds out into a large bowl. Note: don't throw away that pod - add it to a canister of sugar and you've got delicious vanilla sugar!
2. Add all other ingredients to the bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. (Try not to aerate the mixture too much).
3. Place in ice cream maker until frozen, serve immediately (it will be very soft) or store in the freezer until firm.
Enjoy!