Churning Out Ice Cream (and Memories) with an Electric Ice Cream Maker (WFMW #50)

Years ago, I attended a girls night out at a friends house. Our hostess made us homemade ice cream right while we were at the party. She raved about her ice cream maker which she could just plug in, start up, pour in ingredients, and then leave to make the ice cream for her. I will admit, I coveted that ice cream maker.

Fast forward to about one month ago and a trip to Target, and you'll see one of those babies in my cart! At only $30, the Rival Electric Ice Cream Maker that I picked up was affordable, so I couldn't pass it up.

We have now spent the past month making lots of ice cream. Is it cheaper than buying ice cream at the grocery store? Probably not. But, when I buy ice cream at the store, I don't get to watch my kids all huddled around saying "Ooooo..." and "ahhhhhh..." as they watch a paddle churn the liquid we poured in the machine and turn it into a soft, creamy treat.

It's also not nearly as easy to customize everyone's ice cream when you buy at the store (because the ice cream maker is more of a soft serve). Just the other night, we had chocolate ice cream. A couple of the kids had mini chocolate chips stirred in. Another one of the kids had mint flavoring added, as well as mini chocolate chips. I added mini chocolate chips and sliced almonds in my, while Eric ate his plain (since he wasn't home when we were all adding in mixes.)

A great recipe for Easy Vanilla Ice Cream for our one quart model (found in the Rival Electric Ice Cream Maker Owner's Manual):

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

Dash of salt

2/3 cup half and half

1/3 cup whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine milk, sugar, and salt. Stir with a wire whisk until sugar is dissolved. Stir in half and half, whipping cream, and vanilla. Then, pour into your electric ice cream maker and follow directions according to your model.

Or, then again, there is the cheater way. Rival sells packets of "ice cream mix," which can typically be found right next to the ice cream makers. That was how we made our extra quick, extra easy strawberry ice cream pictured here.

For more tips, tricks, and ideas, be sure to check out Works for Me Wednesday on Rocks in my Dryer!