Gelato alla Vaniglia
(Vanilla Ice Cream)

Gelato alla vaniglia is another classic Italian dessert

Gelato alla vaniglia (Vanilla ice cream) is still a favourite classic Italian dessert. This very popular Italian gelato can be found in every gelateria. Vanilla ice cream is also known as "Fior di Latte” in Italy.

Make sure that for this gelato you use the best vanilla essence or extract you can find as this will improve the flavour of the ice cream.

Ice cream can now be made at home using an electric ice cream maker and any ingredients that you fancy.

The purpose of an ice cream maker is to mix together ingredients such as double cream and sugar whilst freezing it to produce delightful homemade ice cream. There are many different brands and models of ice cream makers available, and whilst they all perform a similar task, they approach it in different ways.

Ice Cream Makers fall into two distinct categories. The cheapest ice cream makers are of the ‘cold accumulating’ variety. These have a bowl which needs to be frozen before the ice cream can be made. This can take several hours. The second group of ice cream making machines are more expensive and have their own freezer, thereby reducing the need for any prefreezing of the bowl. This allows you to make ice cream almost instantly!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup (360 cc) double cream
1 1/2 cup (360 cc) whole milk
1 cup (200 grams) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Ice cream maker

Method:

1. Add the milk to a small saucepan over a medium heat.

2. Pour in the double cream.

3. Add the sugar.

4. Add the vanilla essence.

5. Blend all the ingredients well.

6. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.

7. When small bubbles appear on the surface, remove from heat.

8. Allow to cool to room temperature.

9. When the vanilla mixture is cold transfer it to an ice cream maker.

10. Now follow the instructions that came with the ice cream maker.

11. Transfer the vanilla ice cream to a plastic container and place in the freezer.

To discover more about Italian food visit the Italian Traditional Food webpage