Fresh Twists on Ice Cream

Updated June 26, 2009
Randy Mayor

Break out the trusty ice cream maker and expand your summertime dessert horizons with these innovative recipes.

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Nectarine Rose Gelato

Nectarine Rose Gelato Recipe

Rose water brings out the floral quality in nectarines (who knew they're in the same botanical family?). For the creamiest texture, serve this the same day it's made.

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No-Cook Fro-Yo

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

No-Cook Fro-Yo Recipe

This super easy recipe for frozen yogurt only uses 4 ingredients and doesn't require any cooking!

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Coffee Chocolate Crunch Fantasia Ice Cream Sundaes

Coffee Chocolate Crunch Fantasia Ice Cream Sundaes Recipe

Try an ice cream creation with chocolate and coffee-- two of your favorite flavors!

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Cherry-Bourbon Ice Cream

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Cherry-Bourbon Ice Cream Recipe

Try your favorite ice cream flavor with a boozy twist.

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Caramelized Fig Ice Cream

Credit: Leo Gong; Styling: Karen Shinto

Caramelized Fig Ice Cream Recipe

Start by softening vanilla ice cream then beat in the fig-lemon mixture. This late-summer favorite is sure to be a treat.

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Fresh Mint Chip Ice Cream

Fresh Mint Chip Ice Cream Recipe

This mint ice cream isn't fluorescent green because it's made with mint leaves, not food coloring. And instead of waxy chocolate chips, it has ultrathin shards of chocolate, which instantly melt in the mouth.

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Honey Ice Cream

Honey Ice Cream Recipe

This ice cream has a delicate flavor; if you prefer a deeper taste, substitute a darker honey. Top with Honey-Roasted Figs for more rich honey flavor.

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Caramel Corn Ice Cream

Credit: Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Caramel Corn Ice Cream Recipe

Fresh corn isn't just for the cob—it makes for a delicious ice cream, too. Stir in the caramels just after freezing and top with caramel popcorn for a sweet and salty treat.

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Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Credit: Oxmoor House

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Recipe

If you crave the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake but love the sweetness of summer berries, this ice cream is for you.

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Rum-Macadamia Ice Cream with Grilled Pineapple and Coconut

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro; Leigh Ann Ross

Rum-Macadamia Ice Cream with Grilled Pineapple and Coconut Recipe

With only six ingredients, including sweet dark rum and buttery macadamia nuts, this ice cream is simple to make and can turn your kitchen into a tropical Caribbean island. Serve with grilled pineapple and top with toasted coconut for an amazingly delicious flavor combination.

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Cuban Coffee Ice Cream with Dulce de Leche

Credit: James Carrier

Cuban Coffee Ice Cream with Dulce de Leche Recipe

This rich ice cream combines dark-roasted coffee beans, rum, and what else? The gooey, dark, golden caramel known as Dulce de Leche.

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Sour Cream Chamomile Ice Cream

Credit: Thomas J. Story

Sour Cream Chamomile Ice Cream Recipe

Use fresh chamomile for a light, herbaceous note. If you have access to fresh chamomile, give it a try here. Or use dried chamomile tea, which imparts a more earthy flavor.

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Honey-Lavender Ricotta Ice Cream

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Honey-Lavender Ricotta Ice Cream Recipe

Infusing the syrup with lavender imparts a subtle floral flavor to this ice cream. Look for fresh ricotta cheese at gourmet markets, or you can make your own—go to CookingLight.com for our homemade version. It lends the ice cream wonderful richness. Serve with Easy Raspberry Sauce, and garnish with lavender sprigs.

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Mango Mascarpone Ice Cream

Credit: Randy Mayor

Mango Mascarpone Ice Cream Recipe

Mascarpone's silky thickness lends a custardlike texture without the trouble of cooking custard. Except for dissolving sugar in mango nectar, this is a no-cook recipe. Press the puree through a fine sieve for a smooth texture.

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