But even in our awesome ice cream maker, it takes time. Each batch requires about 25 minutes from mixing to eatable. It also takes planning--I have to make sure our ice cream containers for the machine are completely frozen. Which doesn't always happen.
So when I read about blender ice cream here, I knew I had to try it. I didn't have just plain frozen strawberries like it called for, so I used a mix of frozen fruits. Ours had strawberries, pineapple, mango and peaches.
I used about 4 cups of frozen fruit, 1.5 ish cups of raw milk, and 3 T of unrefined sugar. (Once Simon is over a year, I'll use honey to make it...). After combining all the ingredients in the blender, I turned it to the ice crush mode for about 5 minutes.
I learned something very important.
You should put the milk in the blender first. Not the frozen fruit. I was shutting it off and stirring it pretty frequently.
I did it right on the second batch. That I made just a few minutes after the first batch. The first got devoured that quickly! It was more of a sorbet texture, but whatever you want to call it, it was tasty.
I'm looking forward to experimenting with other frozen fruits. In fact, I cubed up a watermelon yesterday, and threw about four cups in the freezer. We'll give that a try today. Except I think I'll teach Jayme or Jeffrey how to make it. It's a great treat for kids to prepare!
Simon definitely approved!
Have you ever made ice cream in your blender or food processor? I'd love to hear ideas for other combinations!
Our absolute favorite: frozen bananas (about 3 to 4), milk, peanut butter (about 2 tablespoons), sometimes we add cocoa powder, often we add fresh baby spinach leaves (you can't taste them at all!). Honestly so, so good!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great, thanks so much for sharing! I have some bananas on hand, so I'm going to go peel some and put them in the freezer. I know what we'll have for a snack tomorrow.
DeleteWe probably make 2 per week. I don't call it ice cream. I call it a smoothie. Makes me feel healthier I guess. The kids love them. I keep a big stock of frozen fruit, vacuum sealed from summer, and just go mad scientist. The peanut butter and banana idea is really good. Also if you don't have frozen fruit, blend fresh fruit and add ice. Its lighter and tastes similar.
ReplyDeleteOur kids love it as well! You are right--the fresh fruit is a nice change of pace, and a bit lighter. We mix that up with more milk, and make them thinner. Those we call smoothies. Whatever they're called, it's a fun way to get more fruits into everyone! Thanks for stopping by.
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