Want a refreshing treat that’s fun to make and eat? Try whipping up homemade ice cream in a zip-lock bag! This surprisingly effective method is perfect for anyone, from beginners to dessert pros.
We’ll guide you through the simple process, using basic ingredients and exploring delicious flavor options. Get ready to create delicious ice cream and enjoy every scoop!
Preparation Tips
Before diving into the process, here are a few pointers to ensure smooth sailing:
- Salt Selection: While any salt will suffice, opting for coarser varieties decreases the risk of ending up with salty ice cream.
- Double Bagging: To prevent potential leakage or contamination, employing a double bagging technique is prudent.
Ingredients:
- 1 half gallon of whole milk
- 1 quart and 1 half quart cartons of half and half
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
Additional Materials:
- Ice cream salt or kosher salt
- Gallon-sized Ziploc baggies
- Quart or sandwich-sized Ziploc baggies
Steps to Homemade Ice Cream
- Prepare the Milk Mixture:
- Begin by assembling 6 small Ziploc baggies.
- In each bag, pour 1 cup of half and half and 1 cup of whole milk.
- Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to each bag.
- Seal the bags securely, expelling as much air as possible.
- To safeguard against potential leaks, consider double bagging.
- Ice and Salt Assembly:
- Utilize 6 gallon-sized Ziploc bags and fill each slightly over halfway with ice.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of salt over the ice in each bag.
- Nestle the small, milk-filled baggies inside the larger bags.
- Seal and double bag the gallon bags to prevent spillage during vigorous shaking.
- Engage in Shake Sessions:
- Divide your students into groups, assigning each group a bag to shake.
- Each student shakes the bag for approximately a minute before passing it to the next person.
- To mitigate the discomfort of cold hands, consider wrapping the gallon baggies in hand towels.
- Savor the Fruits of Labor:
- After 5-8 minutes of enthusiastic shaking, your homemade ice cream is ready.
- Carefully remove the bags of ice cream from the larger gallon bags and wipe them clean.
- For an added layer of protection against saltiness, give the bags a quick rinse.
- Divide the freshly churned ice cream into cups and relish the delightful treat!
Variations for Endless Flavor
The beauty of making ice cream in a bag lies in its endless customization possibilities. Here are some ways to turn your basic recipe into exciting flavor adventures:
Chocolate Lovers Rejoice
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream base for a classic chocolate ice cream.
- Drizzle in some chocolate syrup or fudge sauce for a richer flavor.
- Fold in chopped chocolate bars or mini chocolate chips for a delightful texture.
Fruity Delight
- Blend fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, mangoes) into the cream base for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Use fruit extracts (like strawberry or raspberry) for a more subtle taste.
- Top your ice cream with chopped fresh fruit, fruit compote, or crushed freeze-dried fruit for an extra fruity punch.
Go Nuts!
- Fold in chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, or pistachios for a nutty crunch.
- Use peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella for a delicious swirl.
- Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a decadent “turtle” ice cream.
BONUS FLAVOR – Adult Version
Fly High (Cannabis Ice Cream)
- Blend your desired amount of THC tincture or decarboxylated cannabis oil into the cream base for a burst of canna flavor!
- Mix the ice cream base with some citrus fruits for a more subtle taste.
This recipe was inspired by ideas from weedstripes.
Crafting homemade ice cream in a bag is not only a fun and engaging activity but also a delicious culinary endeavor. By following these simple steps, you can create creamy, flavorful ice cream that will leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, enlist the help of eager hands, and embark on a delightful ice cream-making adventure!