Know Your Ice Cream Maker
Cheaper large-capacity White Mountain ice cream makers require quite a bit of ice and rock salt per batch, and they're bulky, too. Small countertop Cuisinart ice cream makers do not require salt and ice - you simply place the mixture in the special canister bowl that has liquid refrigerant between the walls, and turn the unit on. Make sure the ice cream freezer bowl is completely frozen before you begin. Automatic Ice Cream Makers
Assemble ingredients. Depending on the recipe, this will include eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, flavoring, a pinch of salt, and perhaps gelatin, fruit, nuts, chocolate, etc. Whisk eggs until frothy, and gradually whisk them into milk that has been brought to a simmer over low heat. Cook this mixture over a low heat until it beings to thicken. Remove from heat, cool, stir in cream and flavoring, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Place mixture into a pre-frozen freezer bowl, and turn the electric ice cream maker on. Thickening to soft-serve consistency will take about 20-40 minutes. Freeze to desired thickness. Transfer completed ice cream to a storage container and immediately freeze. Hand-Churning 101
Chill the ice cream mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator; fill the metal freezer can 2/3 full. Install the paddle and close the lid. Place the freezer can in the ice cream machine and attach the turning mechanism and handle. Pack the area between the freezer and bucket with ice and rock salt, and layer the top with ice and salt to just under the lid. Churn for at least 10 minutes, until churning becomes difficult. Check for a grained volume consistency. Remove the freezer can and store in the freezer. |  |
