How to Make Homemade Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream just isn't the same as store bought or Dairy Queen. Plus this is something you do on your own and gives you something to brag about to your guests. Some basic ingredients that you will need include whipping cream or heavy cream if you're just making vanilla ice cream. The heavy cream doesn't blend well with flavors and can also give it a buttery texture if mixed too much. Another ingredient is milk.

You have to be careful in what you use here as well. The skim milk can make the ice cream too watery so it is best to avoid this kind, but you can use soy, goat's and rice milk if you choose to. Eggs are only used when making a custard as well as cornstarch for ice cream, otherwise, eggs and cornstarch are not used. Sugar is mainly used as a sweetener, but maple syrup, honey, and brown sugar could be used instead. The last ingredient is your flavors and that in itself can range in a wide variety. The most common of course is vanilla, but if you want to try something fun and different, there's enough variety to go a little crazy!

If you're looking for a fun activity for kids to learn how to make ice cream and very rewarding. The ingredients are about the same, but will need to add salt to help quicken the process. You will need one tablespoon sugar, 1/2 cup milk or half & half, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, 6 tablespoons rock salt, 1 pint-size plastic food storage bag, 1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag, and ice cubes. Fill the large bag with ice and rock salt, then put the remaining ingredients into the small bag. Make sure the bag is sealed and place into large bag and seal. Shake vigorously for about five minutes and you have your ice cream!