Ice cream is a classic dessert most people enjoy eating anytime of the year. By popular demand, it is well known, vanilla ice cream is the number one choice ordered at ice cream shops. Because vanilla ice cream has such a neutral flavor, it makes sense it is the best choice to add most-liked toppings of strawberry, caramel and chocolate sauces, sprinkles, nuts, among other divine toppings.
Low Fat Vanilla Ice Cream- An Alternative for Dieters
Because ice cream can be a decadent addiction, it may make sense for those who are watching their weight, to try an alternative to full fat ice cream, by creating a low fat version. Don’t be dismayed and think because its low-fat ice cream that it can’t taste luscious. When it comes to making a low-fat ice cream, it’s all about quality fresh ingredients to give appealing flavor.
Easy Method of Making Ice Cream
There are many methods of making homemade ice cream. An old-fashioned method, still used today is wooden bucker freezers. This kind of maker needs plenty of ice and salt, while churning the ice cream mixture as it thickens. Other methods include using an eggbeater and a coffee can. Although these methods are effective, they require more effort and time to make the ice cream.
The easy way of making ice cream without too much fuss is to purchase a quality electric ice-cream maker.
Some start as low as $30 and can cost as much as $300 or more. The kind to purchase is really a personal choice.
With an electric ice cream maker, all one will need to do is freeze the stainless steel container. When ready to make ice cream, simply pour in the ice cream mix into the container and attach the mixer and process according to the manufacturers instruction.
With traditional rich ice cream, most recipes contain heavy cream and eggs. This is what makes the ice cream smooth and creamy. To make a low fat ice cream to mimic the flavors of full fat, key ingredients need to be used.
To make low-fat ice cream as in this recipe, fat free half and half is used, which gives it a thicker, creamier texture. Also, by incorporating the addition of evaporated milk, it gives the ice cream and the palette, the illusion of fatness with a creamy taste. As mentioned earlier, quality ingredients should only be used. Use only pure vanilla extract for a real taste of vanilla as well as fresh vanilla beans.
If mixing in other ingredients is desired, such as chocolate chips and nuts, consider using smaller amounts to keep the calories and fat count down.
Low Fat Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- 2 cups fat free half & half
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 1 1 /2 cups of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean (beans scraped out with a sharp knife)
- 1 teaspoon of yellow coloring (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the fat free half and half, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, yellow coloring (if using) and sugar. Whisk in the vanilla bean and stir until blended well.
- Cover and place the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture becomes very cold about 2-3 hours.
- When ready to make the ice cream, place into the canister of an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Transfer the ice cream to a freezer container until it becomes hard enough to scoop in about 4 hours or overnight.
Vanessa LaBranche - Vanessa is a culinary graduate from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is passionate about baking and ...
