- Strawberry Puree: Made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice for vibrant flavor (1 cup)
- Fresh Strawberries: For natural sweetness and color (2 cups)
- Granulated Sugar: To enhance the flavor (0.5 cups)
- Lemon Juice: For brightness and preservation (2 tablespoons)
- Heavy Cream: For richness and texture (1.5 cups)
- Half & Half: As an alternative to heavy cream for a lighter option (0.5 cup)
- Vanilla Extract: For added depth of flavor (1 tablespoon)
- Salt: To enhance the overall taste (a pinch, or 1/8 teaspoon)
- Optional Toppings:
- Chopped Strawberries
- Whipped Cream
- Crushed Caramel Bits
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Steps
### How to Make Chef John's Strawberry Ice Cream: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
Chef John's Strawberry Ice Cream is a sweet and refreshing treat that will delight both kids and adults alike. This ice cream is made with fresh strawberries, offering a burst of flavor in every scoop. Follow these detailed steps for creating this delicious dessert at home.
#### Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
#### Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Ice cream maker
- Freezer-safe container with lid
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Prepare the Strawberries**
- Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water and hull them to remove the stems.
- Slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces, then place them in a blender or food processor.
2. **Mix in Sugar and Flour**
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the blended strawberries.
- Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no large chunks of strawberry left. This mixture will act as the base for your ice cream.
3. **Heat the Mixture**
- Transfer the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until it comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely before proceeding.
4. **Chill the Mixture**
- Allow the strawberry mixture to cool at room temperature until it is just warm enough to handle but not hot (around 100°F/38°C).
- Pour the cooled mixture into a large mixing bowl.
5. **Add Heavy Cream and Vanilla Extract**
- Add 4 cups of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to the strawberry mixture.
- Whisk or mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
6. **Chill Before Freezing**
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, making sure it touches the surface of the liquid to prevent a skin from forming.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to chill thoroughly.
7. **Freeze in Ice Cream Maker**
- Fill your ice cream maker according to its instructions. Typically, this will involve pouring the chilled mixture into the canister and processing it as directed.
- Process the ice cream base for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
8. **Freeze and Harden**
- Once processed, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container with a lid.
- Place in the freezer and allow it to harden for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
#### Tips
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- For an extra fruity touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh strawberries on top just before serving.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the ice cream mixture again briefly after processing it in your ice cream maker.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a rich, creamy, and delicious strawberry ice cream that rivals any store-bought version. Enjoy crafting this sweet treat at home!