- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with half a cup of sugar. Stir well and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This process is called maceration, which helps the strawberries release their natural juices.
- Purée the Strawberries:
- After macerating, use a blender or food processor to purée the strawberries and their juices. You can leave some chunks for texture if you prefer.
- Mix the Ice Cream Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining half cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine Strawberries with Cream Mixture:
- Stir the strawberry purée into the cream mixture until well combined.
- Freeze the Mixture:
- Pour the mixture into a deep baking dish or an airtight container. Place it in the freezer.
- Break Up Ice Crystals:
- After about 45 minutes to an hour, when the edges start to freeze, take the dish out of the freezer. Use a fork or a hand mixer to stir the ice cream vigorously, breaking up any frozen sections. Return to the freezer.
- Repeat the Process:
- Continue to check the mixture every 30 minutes, stirring vigorously as it’s freezing. Do this for about 3 hours, or until the ice cream is frozen and creamy.
- Final Freeze:
- Once the mixture is uniformly frozen and creamy, let it freeze for another 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Serve:
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Tips:
- Sweetness Adjustment: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar. Start with less sugar and adjust as needed.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add mix-ins or swirls to your ice cream. Chocolate chips, pieces of fresh strawberries, or a balsamic strawberry swirl can add an interesting twist to your homemade ice cream.
- Creamy Texture Tip: For an even creamier texture, you can add 2 tablespoons of alcohol (like vodka or strawberry liqueur) to the mixture. Alcohol lowers the freezing point, which can help prevent ice crystals from forming.
Enjoy your homemade strawberry ice cream, a refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days or whenever you crave a sweet, fruity dessert!