Homemade Peach Ice Cream

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Description:
This Homemade Peach Ice Cream is a creamy, fruity, and refreshing treat made with fresh peaches and simple ingredients. With its rich, smooth texture and natural peach flavor, this ice cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day or indulge in a delicious homemade dessert.

Origin:
Peach ice cream is a classic summer favorite that has been enjoyed for generations. Using fresh, in-season peaches elevates the flavor, making this homemade version a standout. It’s a popular choice in the Southern United States, where peaches are a beloved fruit.

Ingredients Quantity:

  • Fresh peaches (peeled and chopped): 4 cups
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup
  • Heavy cream: 2 cups
  • Whole milk: 1 cup
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: a pinch
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon of vodka or peach liqueur (to prevent ice crystals and enhance flavor)

Ingredients Optional:

  • Chopped peach pieces for extra texture
  • Crushed graham crackers or cookies for mix-ins
  • A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor
  • Honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener
  • Chopped mint leaves for garnish

Instruction:

  1. Prepare the peaches: Peel and chop the fresh peaches into small chunks. If you prefer smoother ice cream, you can puree the peaches in a blender or food processor.
  2. Make the peach mixture: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped peaches with ½ cup of sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to macerate, allowing the sugar to draw out the juices from the peaches.
  3. Combine the cream and milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you want a smoother texture, you can use an electric mixer to make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
  4. Mix the peaches: After the peaches have macerated, mash them lightly with a fork or potato masher to break down some of the pieces (but leave some chunks for texture). If you prefer a completely smooth ice cream, blend the peaches into a puree.
  5. Chill the mixture: Combine the peach mixture with the cream and milk mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight, for the best flavor.
  6. Churn the ice cream: After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. The mixture should thicken and become creamy.
  7. Freeze: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and smooth the top. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it firms up to your desired consistency.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Scoop the homemade peach ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with mint leaves or additional peach pieces if desired.

Tips of Success:

  • Use ripe peaches: The flavor of the ice cream will be much better if you use sweet, ripe peaches.
  • Chill your mixture: Be sure to chill the mixture before churning, as this helps the ice cream freeze more efficiently and results in a smoother texture.
  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes to break up the ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency.
  • Enhance the flavor: Adding a splash of peach liqueur or vodka helps prevent ice crystals and enhances the peach flavor without affecting the texture.

Recommendation:
Serve this Homemade Peach Ice Cream on a warm summer day as a refreshing dessert, or alongside a warm pie or crumble. It also pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Nutrition (per ½ cup serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 35mg

Enjoy this creamy, homemade peach ice cream that captures the essence of summer in every bite! Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or variations.

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