Recipe: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (3)

Very Vanilla Ice Cream

2 c Heavy cream
1 c Milk
1 Vanilla bean; split
1/2 c Sugar
3 Egg yolks
2 tb Vanilla cordial or Liqueur
1 tb Vanilla extract

Warm milk, cream and vanilla bean almost to a
simmer. Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes.

Strain, pressing to release as much vanilla flavor as possible. Return to saucepan, add sugar and return almost to a simmer, stirring, until sugar melts. Remove from the heat.

Whisk eggs to liquefy them. Still whisking, beat
in about 1/2 cup hot cream, then the remaining
mixture. Return to saucepan. Cook over low heat
until custard coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Do not overcook as it will curdle.

Strain and let cool to room temperature. Stir in
vanilla cordial and vanilla extract. Cover and
chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Pour into ice cream maker and freeze according to
manufacturers directions.Here are two different kinds of recipe for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

The first is made with a custard base (eggs and cream) and the second is a 'quick' recipe ideal for kids!

Custard base recipe

4 egg yolks
1/2 pint milk
1/2 pint double/heavy cream
4 oz sugar or caster sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or according to taste - everyone's different!)

First of all scald the milk (bring slowly up to boiling point in a saucepan). Separately, mix together the egg yolks and sugar until thick. Pour into this the hot milk, whilst continuously stirring. Then pour the mixture back into the pan and heat gently, stirring until the custard thickens - DO NOT BRING TO THE BOIL OR IT WILL PROBABLY CURDLE. When you can see a film form over the back of your spoon it's time to remove the saucepan from the heat. Leave to cool.

This is the custard base and one you can use in many other recipes. When the custard base is cold, stir in the cream and vanilla extract, then transfer the whole mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream recipe for kids (or anyone wanting something quick and delicious!)

1/2 pint single/light cream
small tin of condensed milk
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (according to taste)

Pour all ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Transfer the whole mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.