| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 410 | 28g | 18g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 2g | 5g | 0.13g |
There’s something truly magical about the Wintergreen Ice Cream recipe that I can never resist. It’s a delightful concoction that marries the bright, fresh flavors of mixed fruits with the refreshing hint of wintergreen and the smooth, creamy richness of classic ice cream. It takes me back to warm summers in Boston, and it brings together my love for New England freshness with my deep appreciation for wholesome, satisfying comfort food.
A Tribute to Traditions
Growing up in a family with deep Irish roots, meals were more than just sustenance – they were a way to connect with our heritage, a tribute to those who came before us. This Wintergreen Ice Cream is just that – it’s a charming nod to the Irish ice cream tradition while incorporating the bright fruit flavors reflecting New England’s bountiful summer produce. It’s like taking a bite out of history and memory, every time.
Health Benefits for a Modern Lifestyle
What I love about this recipe is that it doesn’t just satisfy your taste buds, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The recipe calls for a mix of fresh fruits, like strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. These fruits are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which are welcome additions to any diet.
Furthermore, the use of milk and heavy cream contributes to the dish’s calcium and protein content, promoting bone health and muscle growth. It’s a decadent dessert you can still feel good about!
Inspired by the classic Vanilla Ice Cream recipe, this Wintergreen Ice Cream introduces a novel twist with the addition of wintergreen extract. Growing popular in contemporary cooking, wintergreen not only adds a fresh and unique flavor but also offers some potential health benefits, including soothing digestion and reducing inflammation.
Perfect Harmony with a Delightful Companion
This dessert pairs excellently with other dishes. Consider serving it with a slice of warm apple pie, straight from the oven. The fruity ice cream complements the spiced apple filling and buttery pastry flawlessly. If you’re looking for more pairing ideas, take a leaf from Food and Wine’s list of desserts that pair well with ice cream.
One last note on this cherished recipe. Some evenings, when little Liam Jr. is tucked up in bed and Laura and I have a quiet moment to ourselves, we like to whip up a batch. Even in the quiet of the night, the warm air carrying the scent of cooking fruit and wintergreen, we feel connected. It’s a recipe that’s about more than just ice cream. It’s about love, and family, and that’s why it will always hold a special place in my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon wintergreen extract
- 1 cup chopped mixed fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple)
- 6 fresh mint leaves, optional garnish
Method
Step One
Start by combining the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Two
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and the wintergreen extract. Let this mixture cool completely.
Step Three
When your creamy mixture is cooled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually this takes about 20-25 minutes.
Step Four
A few minutes before the churning process is completed, add in your chopped mixed fruit. This will allow the fruit to be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
Step Five
Once the ice cream is finished, you can serve it immediately for a soft-serve consistency. If you prefer your ice cream to be more firm, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Step Six
Just before serving your homemade wintergreen ice cream, consider garnishing it with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy this delightful mix of creamy and fruity flavors!
