How To Make Delicious Homemade Ice Cream In Less Than 15 Minutes

Almost everyone loves ice cream, but what a lot of people don't realize is that it's extremely easy to make. You don't need any fancy equipment to enjoy delicious homemade ice cream. In fact, you don't even need that much time, as the recipe I'm about to share will take less than 15 minutes!

At the end, you'll have a rich, velvety and indulgent vanilla ice cream; the perfect thing to enjoy with a slice of apple pie, or to impress your friends with at the end of a dinner party.

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In order to make ice cream, you usually need to use a machine. If you don't keep the mixture moving while it freezes, ice crystals form inside and give the ice cream a gritty texture when you eat it. You've probably experienced this texture when you've re-frozen a carton of ice cream that has thawed; it's about a million miles away from the smooth texture it should have.

How To Make Delicious Homemade Ice Cream In Less Than 15 Minutes

The Secret That Makes This Easy and Quick

The secret to easy ice cream is simply to follow a traditional custard recipe that requires no stirring. To do that, we simply need to use heavy cream in the mixture, and no milk. That way, we can simply throw the mixture in the freezer to set. That means no more stirring, and no more fuss!

For this recipe you'll need just 4 ingredients: 2 cups of heavy cream, 1.75oz of granulated sugar, 2 egg yolks, and 1 vanilla pod.

The Recipe

The first step is to slice the vanilla pod lengthways on a plate, and scrape out the seeds inside with a spoon handle. You'll need to put the seeds to one side on a plate, as we'll need them later.

Next, take the pods and throw them into a pan, along with the cream and sugar.

Place the pan over a medium heat, and sir the mixture while it heats up. Once it reaches the boil, turn down the heat and whisk together the egg yolks in a bowl.

Slowly pour the mixture into to the bowl with the egg yolks, whilst whisking them together. Add the seeds and continue to whisk until the mixture is speckled with vanilla seeds. Fish out the vanilla pods, and transfer the mixture to a freezer proof bowl.

Finally, all you need to do is throw the mixture into the freezer for 2 to 3 hours, and we're done! Delicious homemade vanilla ice cream, with only 15 minutes preparation!

How To Make Delicious Homemade Ice Cream In Less Than 15 Minutes

Health Benefits Of Basil

Basil is a popular herb in Italian cooking, particularly in pesto. This fragrant and flavorful herb, a relative of peppermint, is an excellent, nutritious addition to your pasta sauce, soup, or salad.

An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

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Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.

Health Benefits Of Basil

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

The fresh, spicy flavor and scent of basil will wake up any boring salad or soup. Use fresh basil whole, or shredded to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. If you are using fresh basil in a cooked dish, add it towards the end of cooking, so that the volatile oils will not be dissipated by the heat.

Insalata Caprese is a simple salad, utilizing tomatoes, fresh mozzerella cheese, basil, and olive oil.

1/2 pound, fresh mozzerella, sliced 1/4 inch thick.

2 large tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick.

1 cup fresh basil leaves.

salt and pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.

On a serving plate, arrange the mozzerella and tomato around the edge, alternating mozzerella and tomato slices.

Tear up the basil leaves, and sprinkle them on top of the tomatoes and mozerella cheese.

Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Just before serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad.

Serves 4.

Health Benefits Of Basil