This past weekend I went to my family reunion in Tuscaloosa. Every year at this reunion we always have homemade ice cream! It’s amazing and something we all look forward to.
As I was eating my second cup of ice cream, I started thinking about the time in elementary school science class where we learned how to make ice cream in a bag. It was fun, quick, and would be a great summertime activity with your family! Here’s how you do it!
Ice Cream in a Bag
All you’ll need is half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract or chocolate syrup, ice, kosher salt, and your choice of toppings.
First, you’ll assemble your ice cream ingredients. In a resealable plastic sandwich bag add 1 cup of half-and-half, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and your choice of vanilla extract or chocolate syrup. For vanilla, a ½ teaspoon is good and for chocolate syrup 2 tablespoons will work. Seal the bag and set it aside.
Note: Make sure you get a bag that seals tightly. You won’t want your ice cream mixture sloshing out of the bag as you make it.
Next, in a gallon sized bag add 3 cups of ice and 1/3 cup of kosher salt. You’ll then place your small bag into the big back and shake vigorously for 7 to 10 minutes. The longer you shake it the harder your ice cream will be. We’re looking for a consistency like soft serve.
Once you’re happy with the consistency of your ice cream, remove the smaller bag, open it up, add toppings and enjoy!
Doggie Ice Cream
If you really want to make this a fun activity for the whole family, we even have a dog friendly ice cream recipe, courtesy of our friends at Five Freckle K9, so your furry friends don’t miss out on the fun!
All you need for this recipe is bananas, peanut butter (with no xylitol), non-fat, sugar free Greek yogurt, and small cups or bowls to serve your ice cream in that you don’t mind your dog eating out of.
First, peel and slice 4 bananas and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Once your slices have hardened, blend them up pausing to scrape down the sides a few times. Blend until the consistency is that of soft serve. Then, add ½ cup of peanut butter and ¼ cup of yogurt, blend until incorporated.
And there you have it, doggie ice cream! If you want it to be a bit harder so it doesn’t melt as quickly while your pet eats it, you can pop it back into the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes.
Summertime is a perfect opportunity to slow down and be intentional to spend quality time with our friends and family. We hope these fun and easy ice cream ideas bring a little extra joy to you and your family this summer! If you give them a try, let us know. We’d love to hear from you and see pictures. No matter if it’s making ice cream, going to the lake, playing card games, or taking a walk, we hope you and your family make precious memories this summer.
For more dog-friendly recipes, training tips, and heartwarming stories head on over to fivefrecklek9.com and check out all their great resources.
If you have a submission that you would like to share, send it our way!
