With the current heat wave being experienced all we need is a cool desert to help cool us off.
Making homemade vanilla ice cream on a budget is possible with a few adjustments to the recipe to fit your desired budget.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use more milk for a lighter version)
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or use vanilla essence for a cheaper option
Procedure
Prepare the Ice cream base:
In a pan, combine whole milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. If you're using vanilla extract, add it to the mixture and stir.
Heat the mixture:
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm but not boiling. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Continue heating:
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Cool the mixture:
Once slightly thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath.
Chill the mixture:
Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture to prevent skin from forming.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
Churn and freeze:
After the mixture is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Serve and enjoy:
Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least four hours or until firm.
Once frozen, scoop the ice cream into bowls and enjoy your homemade vanilla treat!
This style of preparing ice cream cuts down on the cost by using fewer ingredients and simplifying the process.
While it may not be as rich as traditional recipes, it's still delicious and budget-friendly.
