Have a Scoop

This ice cream is a sure winner on a hot day.

It's the iconic summer treat, and when you make your own, dessert becomes a family-friendly activity. Purchase an electric ice-cream maker (between $25 and $70 online or at a superstore), and start with these recipes. We personalized a basic vanilla ice cream by stirring in one of our fresh fruit blends. Dish up the flavor of your choice. -CHARU DRAPER

Vanilla Ice Cream With Fruit Blend

MAKES ABOUT ½ GAL.

PREP: 10 MIN.,COOK: 20 MIN., COOL: 15 MIN.,CHILL: 8 HR.

Serve this soft right out of the ice-cream maker's container, or freeze it for a firmer consistency.

3 large eggs

1½ cups sugar

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

½ tsp. salt

4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

1 cup whipping cream

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1 recipe desired fruit blend (see box)

1. Beat eggs at medium speed with an electric mixer until frothy. Stir together sugar, flour, and salt until well blended. Gradually add sugar mixture to eggs, beating until thickened. Gradually add milk, beating until blended.

2. Cook egg mixture in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 15 to 20 minutes or until a candy thermometer registers 170°. (Mixture should be thick enough to coat a spoon.)

3. Fill a large bowl or pan with ice; place Dutch oven in ice, and stir occasionally 10 to 15 minutes until custard is completely cool. Transfer mixture to an airtight container; cover and chill 8 hours. Stir in whipping cream, vanilla, and desired fruit blend.

4. Pour mixture into freezer container of a 1-gal. electric ice-cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. (Instructions and freezing times will vary.)

Choose Your Fruit Blend

Mixed Berry Blend

MAKES 4 CUPS

PREP: 10 MIN.. CHILL: 2 HR.

4 cups fresh strawberries, quartered

2 cups fresh raspberries

1 cup sugar

1. Process all ingredients in a food processor 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Nectarine-and-Toasted Almond Blend

MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS

PREP: 15 MIN., CHILL: 2 HR., COOK: 6 MIN.

Like peaches, nectarines can be placed in a paper bag to speed ripening.

5 cups peeled nectarine slices, (about 2 ¾ Ib.)

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. butter

¾ cup slivered almonds

¾ tsp. salt

1. Process nectarines and sugar in a food processor 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl; cover and chill 2 hours.

2. Melt butter over medium-low heat in a medium skillet; add almonds and salt. Cook almonds, stirring frequently, 3 to 5 minutes or until toasted and golden. Pour nut mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer, shaking to remove excess butter and salt. Stir almonds into nectarine mixture; cover and chill until ready to use.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2007
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