Ice Cream

Quarantine Hobbies are all the rage, and Trusty Sidekick’s Quarantine Hobby is a real doozy.  And diet buster.  About a month ago, we picked up an ice cream maker off of Facebook Marketplace (have I yet extolled the virtues of the Marketplace? I AM OBSESSED).  We debated between the KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment and the Cuisinart “Pure Indulgence,” and ended up settling on the Cuisinart for no other reason than it was the first Amazing!Deal! we found.  We have this one.

Since then, we’ve been experimenting with all sorts of recipes, largely driven by the surplus produce we happen to have in the house.  I’m planning to keep a running list of our favorites here.

Strawberry. This is our go-to.  I will not tell you how frequently we make it, because it’s embarrassing, but we may single-handedly be responsible for the success of the Minnesota strawberry industry. It tastes like frozen strawberry-flavored whipped cream. My mouth is literally watering just thinking about it. Mix 3c (1 pint) strawberries, slides + 1-2 tsp lemon juice + 1-2T honey + 3/4c sugar. Let mixture stand for 15-20 mins. Then add 2c heavy cream, 3/4c whole milk, and 1.5 teaspoons vanilla. Churn for 15-20 minutes.

Almond Ice Cream.  If you are obsessed with almond croissants like I am, you will absolutely swoon for this ice cream.  The caramelized almond pieces!  My god!  (Incidentally, the best almond croissant in the cities is, hands down, Trung Nam French Bakery down on University.  Bonus: they have a SOLID socially-distanced pickup setup; you’re welcome). 

My gooseberry fool <3.

Gooseberry, elderflower, and prosecco. (we did this with prosecco and St. Germain. amazing).

Orange Dreamcicle (Orange Sherbet Recipe). This tastes exactly like an orange dreamcicle.  Probably a more kid-focused recipe, but solidly good.  Next time we would reduce the amount of sugar slightly.

Honey Pistachio Ice Cream.  Absolutely stunning baklava-y flavors.  Like, I’ve been thinking about  wondering how we can alter to get some caramelized something happening up in there to make this even better. 

Have not yet tried, but on the to-do list:

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.  Someone said it rivaled Kopp’s custard.  Sweeter words were never spoken to this Milwaukee export.