Grandma Drake'S Ice Cream

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Grandma Drake's Ice Cream offers a rich, creamy treat with vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings and warm days. Smooth texture and homemade charm shine through.

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Ingredients

  • 2 qt. milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 c. cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 1/2 c. sugar
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, salt, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Scald the milk, heating it just to boiling point, then remove from heat.
  4. Slowly add the hot milk to the sugar mixture, stirring constantly.
  5. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
  6. Add about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture to the beaten eggs, stirring constantly.
  7. Pour the egg mixture back into the remaining hot milk mixture, stirring constantly.
  8. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
  9. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
  10. Cool the mixture in the refrigerator until completely chilled.
  11. Pour the cooled mixture into a 1-gallon freezer container.
  12. Pack with 4 parts ice and 1 part coarse salt around the container.
  13. Turn the freezer and add more salt and ice as needed; freeze for about 30 minutes, or 15 minutes if using an electric freezer.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider substituting half the milk with heavy cream. If you're out of cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of arrowroot powder. Make sure to stir constantly while adding the hot milk to the sugar mixture to prevent cooking the eggs. This recipe can also be adapted with flavors like chocolate or fruit for a fun twist, especially for fans of American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandma Drake's Ice Cream in chilled bowls or waffle cones for a delightful treat. It pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like Apple Slump or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of Almond Cheese Pie. For an extra special touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or top with fresh fruit. Consider offering a variety of toppings for a fun ice cream sundae bar.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. To maintain its creamy texture, cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing. When ready to enjoy, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping. This prevents the ice cream from becoming too hard and icy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Drake'S Ice Cream contains roughly 1235 calories, with 21g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (217% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2311mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).

1235 kcal 62% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.5g 41% DV
Total Fat 18.8g 24% DV
Carbs 237.3g 86% DV
Fiber 21.4g 76% DV
Sugar 73.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2310.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 1686.2mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 47.7mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 291.5mcg 32% DV
Vitamin C 194.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 2.6mcg 13% DV
Calcium 767.9mg 59% DV
Iron 12.2mg 68% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?

Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even almond milk. However, keep in mind that using non-dairy milk may alter the texture and creaminess of the ice cream. If you opt for almond milk, consider adding a bit of almond extract for flavor.

How long does it take to freeze the ice cream?

Typically, it takes about 30 minutes to freeze using a traditional ice cream maker. If you're using an electric freezer, it may take around 15 minutes. Be sure to check the consistency periodically, as freezing times can vary based on the machine and ambient temperature.

What can I do if my ice cream is too hard after freezing?

If your ice cream turns out too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping. This allows it to soften slightly for easier serving. You can also try mixing in a little milk while churning to achieve a smoother consistency next time.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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