I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
What would summer be without ice cream?
The Schneider house tends to enjoy ice cream at LEAST once per week during the summer. If you’re local, our favorite haunts include Kelley’s Creamery for supporting local Irish farmers, or Gesserts, if we want a little throwback to the 1920s.
But sometimes, we just want to stay home and enjoy our deck and outdoor fireplace…#homebodytendencies!
One day a few weeks ago, in one of my many random attacks of the organization monster, I was re-homing some of my small kitchen appliances and stumbled upon our ice cream maker…I have no idea how I forgot about it! I decided to use it almost immediately, and I made two gems that you need to try for yourself!
In our family, none of us do the best with a lot of dairy…sadly since we live in the land of all the cheese! I always like to have some non-dairy tricks up my sleeve so we don’t go on overload. These two recipes I’m sharing may seem basic…but trust me…OH SO GOOD! Make them both, set up a sundae bar where everyone gets to top their ice cream with anything they choose and tuck in around a fire for the perfect end to a summer’s night!
***YES, you do need an ice cream maker for these recipes. I know so many people who have them, and they are just sitting, collecting dust. Bust it out this summer and enjoy!***
Here is the one that I have: Cuisinart Stainless-Steel Ice Cream Maker
If you want something a little more simple, the Dash Everyday Ice Cream Maker seems like a great option, too!
I love shopping local, so if you’re near me, Relish in Sheboygan has some ice cream maker options you can go pick up…no need to wait for shipping!
Dark Chocolate Heaven
I actually derived this recipe from a recipe for dark chocolate sorbet! I wondered what would happen if I subbed the water for macadamia nut milk and the result was a rich creamy Heaven that everyone in my house thought was the real deal..including my toughest audience….a 15 year old amateur food critic!
Dark Chocolate Heaven
(Non-dairy chocolate ice cream)
Ingredients
4 cups unsweetened macadamia nut milk (you could try another milk alternative, but I can’t vouch for how it will turn out. Choose something on the creamier side, like oat milk)
1-⅔ cups granulated sugar (I used organic cane sugar)
⅓ cup brown sugar (I used organic)
2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Ghirardelli)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract OR vanilla bean paste
½ teaspoon salt (I used Himalayan)
Directions
Combine milk alternative and sugars in a large pot over medium heat; stir until the sugars dissolve.
Once warmed, whisk in the cocoa powder and bring to a simmer. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes over simmering heat.
Remove from heat, transfer to a large bowl, and stir in vanilla and salt; refrigerate for 2 hours.
Once chilled, take the chilled chocolate mixture out of the refrigerator and stir.
Turn on your ice cream maker, carefully pour the chocolate mixture into the freezer bowl of the ice cream maker, and allow it to churn until thick (about 30 minutes).
ENJOY!
Topping suggestions: This ice cream is very rich. Walnuts or pecans add a nice balance to the sweetness, or go for peanut butter and white chocolate chips for a decadent treat!
Vanilla Bean Bliss
This one is dairy loaded, and oh so good! Usually if a dessert isn’t chocolate I can easily say no…but that’s not the case with this gem!
Vanilla Bean Bliss
Ingredients
1-½ cups whole milk (I like Organic Valley brand, it’s local!)
1 cup granulated sugar (I used organic cane sugar)
3 cups heavy cream (again, I used Organic Valley)
1-½ tablespoons vanilla bean paste
½ teaspoon salt (I used Himalayan)
Directions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the milk and sugar on medium speed until dissolved.
Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
Turn on your ice cream maker, carefully pour the vanilla mixture into the freezer bowl of the ice cream maker, and allow it to churn until thick (about 30 minutes).
ENJOY!
Topping suggestions: This ice cream is very rich, also. We enjoyed ours with fresh blackberries, raspberries, and a few dark chocolate chips. It would be amazing with peanut butter, caramel, and nuts, too!
Do me a favor?
If you try any of these, send me a picture via email! I’d love to feature you in this growing blog!
xo,
Nikki
