How to Make Ice Cream for Labor Day

Since the very word "summer" evokes images of delicious, melting ice cream, it's no wonder this tasty dessert is one of the staples at most Labor Day parties. This year, instead of heading to your local supermarket to pick up your usual brand of chocolate or vanilla, try to make your own ice cream for a fun treat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 1/2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 cup rock salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup milk
• 6 cups crushed ice
• Small and large plastic bags

1. Mix 1 cup of milk, 1 tsp. of vanilla and 1 1/2 tbsp. of sugar in a large mixing bowl. You can use either a wire whisk or an electric mixer to make the mixture as smooth as possible.

2. Place the mix in the freezer. Every 20 to 30 minutes, remove the bowl from the freezer, mix with a spoon and return it to the freezer. The ice cream will probably take 5 or 6 hours to finish.

3. Make homemade ice cream by using a plastic bag. Simply place the mix in a small plastic bag and seal it. Place the bag, along with ice and rock salt, inside a larger plastic bag. This method takes approximately 10 minutes to freeze.

4. Store ice cream in a covered container in the freezer to avoid the absorption of smells from surrounding foods.

5. Top the ice cream with chocolate syrup or whipping cream before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• The easiest way to make ice cream at home is to buy an electrical ice cream maker. These moderately priced units are available at most large retail stores, and are a great way to start your own Labor Day tradition without the hard work involved with making ice cream by hand.
• Use a towel to wrap up the bag and protect your hands during the shaking process.
• Replace milk with half-and-half for a richer texture and faster freezing time. Or use 2 tbsp. of whipping cream to make the mix fluffier.
• When using the plastic bag method to freeze your homemade ice cream, use about 6 cups of ice and 1 cup of rock salt.
• Make sure there is no air left inside the small bag before you seal it, as this may cause it to pop open during the shaking.
• If your ice cream has melted in the hot Labor Day sun, throw it out. Don't refreeze melted ice cream.