Tips for Baking and Cooking with Ice Cream
Ice cream is a summertime favorite, but why not go beyond the usual lump of ice cream in a bowl and make something a little more special? It’s easy to do and doesn’t take much time.
To make ice cream recipes quicker, easier, and more attractive, try following these simple steps:
Let ice cream or sorbet stand at room temperature for five to ten minutes before using, unless a recipe states otherwise. This makes the ice cream easier to scoop and deliciously creamy. However, don’t let the ice cream melt, since this will forever ruin its texture. (Ice cream cannot be thawed, then refrozen. This is why you should never buy an ice cream container that’s sticky. Chances are, it’s been refrozen.)
If you’re in a hurry and your ice cream is quite hard, microwave the container in 10 second increments on 30% power.
To make scooping ice cream or sorbet easier, dip an ice cream scoop (or spoon) in hot water, then dry it off before using it.
Making homemade ice cream the old fashioned way (with rock-salt) is fun for the kids, but use an electric ice cream maker for creamier results.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to make homemade ice cream, try customizing your store bought ice cream. Buy a simple flavor, soften it a little, and add candy or cookie pieces, mini marshmallows or chopped nuts.
If your ice cream dessert will be served in bowls, choose glass bowls and chill them thoroughly.
When making homemade ice cream that calls for pre-cooking, mix up the ingredients the day before. This lets the ingredients develop better flavor.
For homemade ice cream recipes that don’t call for cooking, use an electric mixer to mix the ingredients. This adds air to the ice cream, which makes it lighter and fluffier.
For all ice cream recipes, try mixing together the ingredients and storing them in a covered glass or stainless steel bowl overnight. The colder your ingredients, the better your ice cream will be.
For better flavor, add extracts (like vanilla or almond extract) only after the rest of the cooked ingredients have cooled.
For fun, try make your own ice cream cones with an ice cream cone pan.
Jazz up an ordinary cake by making two layers and placing ice cream “frosting” in-between them.
Bake some chocolate chip cookies, spread ice cream between them, wrap them in two layers of plastic wrap, and put them in the freezer for an easy frozen treat.
Plunk some ice cream in a chilled glass and cover with flavored soda water
