Homemade Custard-y Ice Cream

So, I've been wanting an ice cream maker for years, but we just don't have the room - for storage or to fit the bowl in the freezer. Plus, we have pretty much every other kitchen gadget and need to slim down to just the essentials.

My husband came across the idea for mason jar ice cream so we experimented, with lots of trial and error. I couldn't find a recipe out there that actually worked without tasting dry and ice-chippy.

I finally found the perfect proportions to make a light, pilowy, homemade ice cream. The recipe is for two pints - I make different flavors separated into two pint-sized mason jars.

Here's how I do it:

Put toppings of choice in each jar* along with:

• 4 tsps organic sugar (can sub with maple syrup)

• Pinch of Iceland Flake Salt (Code: SATIATEDBLONDE to save)

• 5 egg yolks

• 16 oz. heavy cream

Directions:

• Put heavy cream in pot on stove & slowly increase temperature to 160 degrees F. Once it hits temp, lower heat and temper yolks (Tempering details: whisk yolks, slowly add warmed heavy cream while continually whisking yolks in bowl. Once about half the liquid is added into the bowl, add the yolk and cream mixture into the pot on stove and slowly increase temperature up to 160 degrees F again. Continually whisk cream and yolk mixture to prevent making scrambled eggs. Take off heat immediately after tempered temperature is met.)

• Strain mixture atop mason jars, equally splitting the custard mix (by this time it should be thick and creamy. This is optional, but I do it just in case there are any egg scrambles!

• Mix toppings & sugar in mason jar

• Let cool for 15-30 minutes

• Put on lid and shake (just enough to give one last mix)

• Freeze for approximately 4 hours

Enjoy!

Here's one of my favorite flavors so far:

Chai Spice: 2 drops of cardamom essential oil + pinch ground pepper + 3 cloves

I love that Living Libations distinguishes and explains their culinary essential oils! I have more coming on that too (including blood orange)! Anyways, their cardamom eo has an inviting, spicy warmth. It's also really good adding 1 drop in my coffee! And, I just had this thought, but possibly a delicious addition to a twist on tiramisu!

Other tasty ice cream flavor creations I'm enjoying:

• Double Vanilla: 1/2tsp vanilla bean powder + 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Chocolate Cherry: 10 cherries (pitted) + 2 tsp cacao* - NOTE: this cacao is really good also subbed with mBreakfast! (Code: SATIATEDBLONDE to save on check out)

• Balsamic Mint: 2 tsp balsamic + 5 finely chopped fresh mint leaves

Have you made your own homemade ice cream? Did you use an ice cream maker? Leave me a comment below and let me know! As always, #GetSatiated.