FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TIP OF THE WEEK How to make delicious homemade ice cream

A favorite summer treat for all ages is ice cream. While it might be easier to grab a pint at the grocery store or venture to your favorite ice cream parlor for a scoop, homemade ice cream can be a special activity for the whole family.

If you are interested in making your own ice cream, here a few tips according to SeriousEats.com to make your homemade ice cream a success.

1. Freeze the bowl: The bowls of most ice cream makers take at least 24 hours to freeze. Store the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer, wrapped tightly in a plastic bag.

2. Batter: The “batter” for your cream can never be too cold. Pour the batter into a quart-sized container and chill it in the fridge overnight.

3. Don’t overfill the ice cream maker: Three-quarters full yields the best results. If filled to the top of the bowl, the ice cream won’t aerate properly.

4. Go slow: When tempering egg yolks for custard-based ice creams, never pour more than 3 or 4 tablespoons of hot cream into the yolks before whisking them back into the cream.

5. Adding extracts: Whether using vanilla, maple, almond, etc., add the extracts after the ice cream batter has cooled, but before churning, for the best flavor.

6. Add mix-ins at the end:

Add mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts or candy pieces, for

only the last minute of churning. The ice cream should already be done.

7. Shallow containers: Shallow, flat containers are best for freezing and storing ice cream.

8. Prevent crystals: To prevent ice crystals from forming, cover the surface with a layer of plastic wrap or wax paper before closing the container.

9. Eat fast: Homemade ice creams keep well for up to a week. After that, they begin to lose their flavor and creamy texture.

DRINK Detecting toxic drinks

Scientists at the Swiss research university ETH Zurich recently announced the creation of a portable drinks testing device that could be used by makers and consumers of bootleg alcohol to detect levels of toxic methanol. According to researchers, alcoholic drinks can be spiked with up to 50% methanol or ethanol, which has been found to be a common and cheap way to increase the volume and potency of a beverage. When placed over a drink, the device’s sensor absorbs the vapor or gas and processes the methanol or ethanol contents.

FUN FACT

Nutella

The hazelnut spread known as Nutella is so popular that 25% of all hazelnuts end up in a jar of Nutella.

More Content Now