Churn It Up!

Sun, sticky fingers, fruit fresh off the vine and homemade ice cream are the perfect ingredients for summertime fun. Tucked away in our garage, the ice cream freezer waits for the dog days of summer to begin. Nothing is sweeter and more refreshing than homemade ice cream laced with sun ripened peaches, berries, nuts and whatever else the imagination craves.

Growing up in my house, homemade ice cream was the staple for any summertime celebration or backyard get-together. I have fond memories of watching my dad manually churn it out. It seemed like I had to wait an eternity for the milk, sugar and fruit to mix and freeze together. When the ice cream was finally ready, mom couldn’t dish it out fast enough!

Today, the manual churn may have been replaced by an electric freezer, but the tradition still continues with my own family. My children love to make creamy vanilla ice cream. We set out a wide variety of toppings including fresh fruit and nuts, so that the children can mix and match favorites and create their own sundae. Give our recipe a try and churn out some fun with your family this summer!

Homemade Ice Cream

Ingredients

1 large box regular French vanilla pudding mix

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 cups sugar

1 tbsp. vanilla

1 quart whole milk

 Directions

In a saucepan over low heat, mix sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, sugar and vanilla over low heat until thickened.

Pour mixture into ice cream freezer container.

Gradually add quart of milk to mixture.

Mix well.

Freeze as directed.

For more homemade ice cream recipes, visit www.southeastdairy.org.

– Guest post by Wendi Morgan, RN

Wendi has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and a School Nurse in Daviess County Public Schools for the last 17 years, where she currently serves as District Health Coordinator. Wendi oversees the School Health Program in DCPS and participates in the Wellness Initiative for the district. In addition to her job she currently holds the position of President and Exhibitor Chair of the Kentucky School Nurse Association. In 2006, Wendi was named the Kentucky School Nurse of the Year by KSNA.