By Kimberly Kunaniec
Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Expert
If you want to make homemade ice cream, sorbet, or sherbet, you will probably want to use an ice cream maker to churn and freeze your dessert. Use these six simple tips to give you a smoother finished texture and avoid soupy ice cream.
Read the Directions
It
should go without saying, but many people use their ice cream makers
without reading the directions. Each model is slightly different, so
take the time to check your manual. If you have had your machine for a
long time, refresh your memory and reread what the manufacturer
suggests. They may have tips for using their model that will help you
make the perfect dessert.
Make Sure the Canister is Frozen
If
you are using an ice cream maker where you have to freeze the bowl or
canister ahead of time, make sure to give it at least 24 hours in the
freezer. I have an ice cream maker attachment for my Kitchen Aid stand
mixer that I regularly leave in the freezer at all times, so that it is
ready to use whenever I decide to make a batch of ice cream.
Chill Your Ingredients before Churning
If you pour warm ice cream base
into your machine, it will take longer for it to cool and churn.
Depending on the type of ice cream maker you have, it could affect the
finished product. For the smoothest texture and the least wear on your
equipment, refrigerate your liquid before you freeze it.
Don’t Overfill the Machine
When
an ice cream maker churns ice cream, part of what it is doing is
incorporating air. This helps to give your ice cream that light texture
instead of having it freeze into a solid block. A full machine could
also be too much to handle, so only fill the canister half full for the
best results.
Wait to Add Mix-Ins
If you
want to add chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins to your ice cream,
wait until it is just about done. Add them for thirty seconds to combine
the ingredients before stopping your ice cream maker. Many ice cream
makers aren’t designed to handle lots of hard ingredients, especially if
you have an inexpensive machine.
Finish in Your Freezer
When
an ice cream maker finishes churning, the ice cream will have the
consistency of soft-serve. It’s great to eat right away, but if you want
a firmer texture, store the ice cream in your freezer for a few hours.
Use an air-tight plastic container for storing homemade desserts and
keep them in the back of the freezer. This will help keep the quality at
its peak for longer.
source: about.com
