Many people are unaware that the beloved summer treat, ice cream, has its roots in ancient China, where it was originally made from fruit juices combined with snow. Over time, milk was added to this mixture, and the first European to taste a milk-based ice cream at the court of Kublai Khan was the famous traveler Marco Polo. Historians debate whether Polo brought the ice cream recipe to Europe himself or whether it was introduced by Arabs while they ruled Sicily, teaching the Italians the art of freezing ingredients. Regardless, ice cream became a popular delicacy in royal courts only two centuries later. Notably, it was served at the wedding of Catherine de’ Medici and French King Henry II in 1533.
Ice cream is a treat that is easily digested but also high in calories, with approximately 200 calories in every 100 grams. For this reason, it is especially recommended for athletes or those engaged in physically demanding jobs. Others should enjoy it in moderation, ideally consuming ice cream as a substitute for a meal rather than as a snack between meals.
Recent studies have confirmed that ice cream has stress-relieving properties—particularly vanilla—which stimulate pleasure centers in the brain akin to listening to your favorite music or experiencing small wins in gambling. If you wish to indulge in this enjoyable sensation, here are a few easy ice cream recipes you can make at home.
Chocolate Ice Cream
4 eggs
6 tablespoons sugar
3-4 dl milk
100g chocolate
½ l whipped cream
Rum flavoring (optional)
Separate the egg yolks from the whites and whip the yolks with sugar until fluffy. Add melted chocolate and milk, mixing well. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool, stirring occasionally. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites and whipped cream along with the flavoring before placing it in the freezer.
Tip: To avoid ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture, take the ice cream out of the freezer and stir it every hour.
Redcurrant and Banana Ice Cream
100g redcurrants
250g peeled bananas
2 packets vanilla sugar
50g raisins
In a bowl, combine redcurrants, chopped bananas, and vanilla sugar. Blend while gradually adding milk and raisins. Once you have a smooth mixture, pour it into containers and freeze for 4-5 hours.
Melon Ice Cream
350g melon
1 lemon
150g sugar
2.5 dl sweet cream
3 teaspoons maraschino
Mix a puree of melon and lemon juice. Add sugar, sweet cream, and liqueur, then blend well and place in the freezer.
Tip: You can substitute melon with apricot, peach, or mango.
Lavender Ice Cream
½ l whipped cream (packet)
150g blackberries
150g blueberries
2 dl yogurt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon lavender
In the whipped cream, add blackberries, blueberries, yogurt, cinnamon, and lavender. Mix well with an electric mixer, cover, and place in the freezer for about 24 hours.
Rose Petal Ice Cream
3 handfuls of rose petals
½ l milk
150g sugar
8 egg yolks
Cinnamon
Soak the chopped rose petals in milk and simmer for 10 minutes, then strain. Add sugar and cinnamon to the liquid and mix well. Let it cool, then whisk in the egg yolks. Cook on low heat, ensuring it doesn’t burn, then cool again and transfer to glasses before freezing.
Green Tea Ice Cream (Suitable for Vegetarians)
1 cup soy milk
4 green tea bags
1 cup honey
340g firm, low-fat tofu
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 kiwis
1 cup sweet cream
Chocolate sprinkles for decoration.
Enjoy your homemade ice cream creations and savor the delightful flavors that bring happiness and relaxation!
