7 Ways With an Ice Cream Maker

Churn Your Own

With today's ice cream makers (old-fashioned bucket churn or countertop freezer), it's easy to make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and other frosty treats at home. Start by selecting the machine that best suits your needs. Prepare or mix the base, cool it, crank it, and put it in the freezer to "ripen" for about an hour. In just a few easy steps, you can churn out fabulous ice cream.

Pecan Pie Ice Cream

Traditional ice cream is a frozen custard (or milk mixture) with air whipped into it that delicately balances dairy products, sweetener, flavorings, and sometimes eggs.

A stove-top custard reminiscent of pecan pie filling is swirled in after churning to create an ice cream that tastes like pecan pie á la mode.

Recipe: Pecan Pie Ice Cream

Lemonade Frozen Yogurt

It's important to completely cool the ice-cream mix before freezing it. To do this quickly, place the pan of mix directly inside a large ice-filled metal bowl.

In this recipe, yogurt and half-and-half combine to produce a delicious frosty treat that is low in calories and fat.

Recipe: Lemonade Frozen Yogurt

Strawberry-Buttermilk Gelato

Gelato is the Italian word for "to freeze" and is the umbrella term for any frozen Italian dessert.

This 5-star recipe uses fresh strawberries and buttermilk as flavor enhancers. Now that is bellissimo.

Recipe: Strawberry-Buttermilk Gelato

Refreshing Lime Sherbet

The difference between sherbets and sorbets can be confusing. Just remember...sorbets do not contain any dairy products while sherbets frequently include milk, half-and-half or buttermilk.

This tangy sherbet boasts a short ingredient list and easy preparation, resulting in a cool and creamy treat.

Recipe: Refreshing Lime Sherbet

Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

The most important consideration to follow when freezing ice cream is to follow the ice-cream maker manufacturer's instructions because each type of machine works differently.

Try something new with our chocolate sandwich cookie and tofu ice cream. The tofu lends a rich, silky texture while the cookies add a chocolate crunch.

Recipe: Cookies-and-Cream Ice Cream

Peppercorn Ice Cream with Rum-Glazed Pineapple

One of the best things about homemade ice cream is that you can control the quality of the ingredients used and the texture of the final product. Try different flavor variations by adding fresh fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, toasted chopped nuts, mini candy pieces, or crushed cookies.

The flavor of crushed black peppercorns balances the tropical pineapple and rum with a gentle heat. The unlikely match creates a surprisingly perfect union.

Recipe: Peppercorn Ice Cream with Rum-Glazed Pineapple

Citrus Tea Sorbet

Let ice cream stand at room temperature for five to 10 minutes before serving. This will allow it to soften and scoop more easily.

This refreshing sorbet uses brewed black tea in place of water for a fun flavor twist. Feel free to substitute your favorite variety of tea.

Recipe: Citrus Tea Sorbet

More Dessert Ideas

Keep the sweets coming year-round with more tasty dessert recipes.

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• Sensational Strawberry Desserts
• Craving Cheesecake
• 8 Make-Ahead Desserts