Fresh, Simple Vanilla Ice Cream + 11 Other Flavors

It’s National Ice Cream Day! AND July is National Ice Cream MONTH. I decided that means it’s time to re-post my dad’s super simple recipe for vanilla ice cream AND include some links to 11 other delicious ice cream recipes you can make at home.

Don’t let the simplicity of this vanilla ice cream make you think it is not as good as those “custard-style” ice creams … it is totally just as good (if not better) because it has a fresh, creamy vanilla taste. The trick is to use a good quality vanilla extract. I like to use Mexican vanilla that I buy from a local Mexican grocery in town. At my house, vanilla is a celebrated ingredient. We use it so much that we buy Mexican vanilla extract by the quart. As The Pastry Chef Online said one day to me in a comment: “Vanilla is complex and sophisticated and wonderful.” It is! Vanilla is one of those subtle but wonderful flavors that just enhances everything it touches.

When we were up at my mom and dad’s for their 50th wedding anniversary party, everyone was asking for ice cream. My dad got out his ice cream maker (he has one of those Cuisinart ice cream makers, but he bought TWO of the freezer inserts) and he made this vanilla ice cream. People were coming back for seconds and thirds.  He didn’t give me his precise recipe and he didn’t write it down … I had to guess at it a little, but I think this is pretty close. It’s a simple formula with just a few ingredients, but it tastes so fresh and wonderful. Dad has a way of making the simplest things taste marvelous.

But just in case vanilla is NOT your favorite ice cream flavor, I included 11 other yummy ice cream flavors below. I hope you’ll find something you like in the mix.

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And here are the other ice cream recipes I promised … click on the name or the photo to get the recipe.

Rich, Creamy Dark Chocolate Milk Stout Ice Cream 

Rich, deep, dark, stout ice cream

Peach Banana Coconut Ice Cream 

I made mine into festive ice cream sandwiches.

Sweet Corn Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Sauce 

… think caramel corn, in ice cream form.  Trust me, this is SO good …

Kahlua Ice Cream

Mmmm. coffee.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Elvis’ favorite. And my son’s! In fact, it’s his creation. We jokingly call it “muck” ice cream at my house. Don’t let the name throw you off … it’s totally delicious.

Low fat Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Impossible? Nope! and it’s just as creamy and delicious as the full fat versions. I’m a long-standing peanut butter lover, and I wouldn’t settle for anything less than amazing.

Basil Green Tea Gelato

For the basil lovers! This gelato is pleasantly green and oh so full of that intoxicating basil flavor.

Ginger Cantaloupe Ice Cream

If you love cantaloupe and/or ginger, give this one a try. It’s also a delicious use for melons that are a little past their prime.

Fresh & Simple Peppermint Stick Ice Cream

A minty fresh flavor for Christmas or any time of year that’s so easy to make.

 Lemon Berry Sherbet

Lemons and berries in a luscious sherbet. I included two versions: one is a whole-fruit version, one seedless.

Basil Watermelon Sorbet

This one has tequila in it, summertime refreshment for adults. I made mine with yellow watermelon, but red is just as good. Well, okay, almost as good.

This post was shared at Super Sunday, Marvelous Monday, Tuesday’s Table, Thursday Favorite Things and Thursday’s Treasures.