Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Heat the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 170°F to 180°F).
Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Cool the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to harden.
Serve: Enjoy your delicious homemade vanilla ice cream!

Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and freeze for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until you reach the desired consistency.

Benefits:

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and whole milk provides a smooth, rich texture that’s a hallmark of classic ice cream.
Natural Flavors: Using pure vanilla extract ensures a genuine vanilla flavor without artificial additives.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and flavorings to suit your preferences.

History:

Vanilla ice cream has been a beloved dessert for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations that enjoyed frozen treats. The modern version began to take shape in the 16th century when Italian and French chefs developed methods for making ice cream with cream and sugar. Vanilla became a popular flavor in the 18th century, thanks to its versatility and the vanilla bean’s introduction to Europe from Mexico. By the 19th century, ice cream had become a widely enjoyed treat across Europe and America, with vanilla standing out as a classic flavor due to its delicate and familiar taste.