Yes, Summer is here. Maybe not officially - per the calendar - but if you live in the beautiful state of Texas then you know that Summer pretty much begins the moment the kids get released on the last day of school. Around here, that's when it all slows down a bit. Dinner is pushed back to 7:30 and long nights of playing out past dark evoke games of hide-n-seek and kick-the-can. For us, when it's sizzling outside, we like to cool off with some cool and creamy treats. My family never seems to turn down ice cream and during the summer months my ice cream maker gets more use than you can imagine. You can usually find simple vanilla in our freezer but since ice cream comes in so many flavors, I am constantly playing around to find something unique. Today I stayed traditional, making my daughter's favorite - some cool refreshing mint chip ice cream. Even though I have plenty of fresh mint in my yard, I have to tell you that when your in the moment and craving something cool and creamy, it makes me pretty thankful I have an ice cream machine and a bottle of mint extract at my disposal. This way, I can save the fresh mint for garnish - or better yet, a mojito! I'm jus' sayin'!
Easy Mint Chip Ice Cream (no cook)
In a large bowl combine the following:
1 1/2 cups of milk (I use 1%)
1 1/8 cup of granulated sugar
3 cups of heavy cream
1 tbsp of mint extract
1 tsp. green food color (optional)
3/4 cup of (mini) chocolate chips
Combine all and follow ice cream machine directions
Simply Pure Vanilla Ice Cream (no cook)
1 1/2 cups of milk
1 1/8 Cup of sugar
3 Cups of heavy cream
1 1/2 TBSP of vanilla extract
Combine all until sugar is dissolved. Then follow manufactures directions for the ice cream maker.
Southern Living's Buttermilk-Lime Ice Cream (One of my Mom's favorites)
1 Cup of water
1 Cup of sugar
Combine in a pan and bring to a boil until all is dissolved. Then chill in fridge for 25 minutes.
Then Combine the simple syrup with the following:
2 Cups buttermilk
1 Tsp. grated lime zest
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. corn syrup
Once thoroughly mixed, pour into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufactures instructions.