I have recently discovered the joys of a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. I have a 5 quart size and can literally make delectable ice cream ready to be frozen in about 10 minutes. I have also discovered a special ingredient that makes the finished product creamy. What is that? Guar gum. What is guar gum? I have no idea, but a Google search tells me that it comes from guar beans (no, I don’t know what those are) and is a thickening agent. Yesterday, I actually made ice cream with 2% evaporated milk and vanilla almond milk (no cream!) and because the guar gum thickens it, it was smooth, and thick and delicious. Not to mention, low fat. Of course, the best ice cream is made with real cream, but when you don’t have any, then it’s still possible to have something pretty darned tasty.

Here is a recipe for plain ole vanilla ice cream in the Cuisinart. You just mix up all the ingredients, pour it in the frozen container, let is spin for 20 minutes and then put it in a plastic container with a lid for 2 hours. At that point, you have healthy, tasty and DELICIOUS ice cream.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup whole milk (I use 2% evaporated milk and 1/4 cup almond milk)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (I use 1/2 cup honey)
• pinch salt 
• 2 cups heavy cream (I use 1 cup cream)
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon guar gum (This is my addition, which you can order on Amazon.)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed or whisk to combine the milk, sugar and salt until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, or overnight. (I don’t do this since I’m using guar gum.)
2. Turn on the Cuisinart® ice cream maker; pour the mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. 
3. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.

The Cuisinart costs about $70, but if you think of how much money you’ll save not going and buying gourmet ice cream (you can get pretty fancy with the types you make), then it won’t be long before you’re out of the red and into the black with this appliance. Besides, what’s better than homemade ice cream?

Just writing about it makes me want to have just a tiny bowl.

Talk soon.