Ice cream with strawberry and blueberry jelly

Strawberry and blueberry jelly ice cream – a refreshing treat for warm days

The fruit season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate nature’s bounty than with a creamy ice cream full of delicious flavors. This simple recipe for strawberry and blueberry jelly ice cream is sure to become the star of summer, as it is not only easy to make but also extremely satisfying. Here’s how you can transform these wonderful fruits into something truly special.

Total preparation time: 3 hours (including freezing time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 4 eggs (preferably organic for better taste)
- 100 g sugar (adjust the amount to taste)
- 250 ml milk (use whole milk for a creamier texture)
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 500 g strawberries (fresh, ripe, to maximize flavor)
- 100 g blueberries (can be frozen, but fresh ones are more flavorful)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ice cream base:
- Start by placing the milk in a saucepan over low heat, adding the split vanilla pod (or vanilla extract). Heat it until just before boiling, but do not let it boil. This will release the vanilla flavors into the milk.

2. Beating the eggs:
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This process is essential for achieving airy ice cream.

3. Combining the ingredients:
- Gradually add the warm milk to the yolk mixture, continuously mixing on the lowest speed of the mixer to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once all the milk is incorporated, place the mixture over a double boiler, stirring constantly for 15-20 minutes until it thickens and becomes a smooth cream.

4. Preparing the strawberry jelly:
- While the yolk cream cools, you can prepare the strawberry jelly. Place the diced strawberries in a saucepan along with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the syrup thickens, similar to jam. This process will take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, strain the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds and obtain a smooth jelly.

5. Beating the egg whites:
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Then, place the bowl with the egg whites over a double boiler and continue mixing for about 5 minutes until they become light and airy. This step is essential for adding a fluffy texture to the ice cream.

6. Assembling the ice cream:
- Slowly fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk cream using a spatula, being careful not to over-mix to maintain the airiness. Then add the cooled strawberry jelly and gently mix until everything is evenly combined.

7. Freezing:
- You can choose to use an ice cream maker for a creamier texture, just be sure to follow the specific instructions for your machine. Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into an airtight container and freeze it for 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm.

Serving suggestions:
For an extra flavor boost, serve the ice cream with warm chocolate sauce or a few fresh fruits on top. You can also add toasted almond flakes or chopped nuts for a contrast of textures.

Variations:
- Instead of blueberries, you can experiment with other berries like raspberries or blackberries, which will add a distinct flavor.
- A more exotic option would be to add a tablespoon of fruit liqueur to the ice cream mixture for a more sophisticated taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This ice cream is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants from the fruits, having a moderate calorie content due to the use of natural ingredients. Each serving of ice cream provides 120-150 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can replace the milk with almond or coconut milk, but the texture will be different.

2. How can I keep the ice cream softer?
To prevent ice crystals from forming, make sure to stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours of freezing.

3. Is it possible to make the ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, the method described above works great without a machine, just make sure to mix the mixture well during freezing.

So, strawberry and blueberry jelly ice cream is not just a simple recipe, but also a celebration of summer and seasonal fruits. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every spoonful!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs, 100 g sugar, 250 ml milk, vanilla, 500 g strawberries, 100 g blueberries