Vanilla Cinnamon Ice Cream

As the festive season of Christmas draws near, my senses are awakened, and the air is filled with warmth and joy. It's a time to gather with loved ones, and we all yearn for comforting delights to savor. Being in a tropical country, where the sun shines bright, I seek a refreshing respite from the heat. And what better way to indulge in the holiday spirit than with a scoop of velvety ice cream? Its smooth, creamy texture and mouth-watering flavors make it my favorite treat, a delicacy that transcends age and culture. Whether it's the classic vanilla that soothes my soul, the rich chocolate that ignites my senses, or the fruity flavors of mango and strawberry that dance on my palate, ice cream brings happiness and delight to me. Join me as I embark on a journey of taste and discovery, exploring the history, varieties, and unique flavors of this timeless dessert. Let's savor the sweet, cool taste of ice cream, even amidst the warmth of the festive season.

As a food enthusiast and lover of all things Christmas, I couldn't wait to dive into this week's Chef's Christmas Specials. With the holiday season fast approaching, I was eager to find the perfect treat to indulge in with my loved ones. And who better to turn to for inspiration than the self-proclaimed geeky chef and molecular gastronomy pioneer of the Philippines, Johann Santos of Zenses Neo-Shanghai Cuisine?

I was excited to discover that Chef Johann had an innovative take on the classic dessert of ice cream. With his expertise, he promised to teach us how to create homemade ice cream that would not only satisfy our cravings but also capture the essence of Christmas.

As I prepared to embark on this culinary adventure, I couldn't help but wonder how Chef Johann would pull off the impossible feat of making ice cream without the use of liquid nitrogen. But as he began to explain his process, I found myself both entertained and fascinated by his geeky approach to cooking.

As we began to mix the ingredients and create our Christmasy ice cream, Chef Johann shared with us some of his secrets and techniques. From his unique use of molecular gastronomy to his playful approach to flavor combinations, he made the whole experience both educational and entertaining.

And the result? A delicious and festive ice cream that exceeded all of our expectations. With its rich, creamy texture and hint of holiday spices, it was the perfect treat to share with my loved ones during this special time of year.

In the end, I couldn't help but laugh at my initial skepticism toward Chef Johann's geeky methods. As it turned out, his approach was not only creative but also resulted in a truly delicious dessert that captured the magic of Christmas in every bite.

Vanilla Cinnamon Ice Cream

What You Need:

80 grams of confectioner's sugar
1 cup (250 grams) milk
1 cup (250 grams) cream
3 egg yolks
2 vanilla beans (or 3 to 4 drops vanilla essence)
1 tsp. cinnamon
crushed apple cookies
1 small Ziploc bag
1 large Ziploc bag
ice cubes
salt

Let's dive into the steps of making homemade vanilla ice cream, a treat that is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests!

Step 1: The first step is to pour milk into a saucepan and heat it until it reaches the boiling point. As the milk starts to bubble and boil, feel the excitement brewing inside you as you prepare to create a delicious, creamy dessert!

Step 2: While the milk is heating up, it's time to slice the vanilla beans in half and scrape off the seeds. This might seem like a small step, but it's the key to unlocking the full potential of the vanilla flavor in your ice cream. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!

Step 3: Once the milk has come to a boil, remove the vanilla bean pods from the mixture and set them aside. Let the milk cool down before moving on to the next step. This is the perfect time to take a breather and appreciate the fragrant aroma of vanilla beans.

Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and confectioners' sugar. Whip up the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. This step might require a bit of elbow grease, but the end result will be worth it!

Step 5: After the milk has cooled down, pour it into the egg yolk and sugar mixture. Add the cream and a dash of cinnamon to create a decadent flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Mix everything together until it is well-blended, and you can almost taste the creamy goodness.

Step 6: Now, it's time to pour the ice cream mixture into a small Ziploc bag. Remember to remove any excess air and seal the bag tightly. Don't be tempted to sneak a taste just yet!

Step 7: In a larger Ziploc bag, combine ice cubes and salt. This step might seem a little strange, but trust us - it's the secret to creating the perfect texture for your homemade vanilla ice cream.

Step 8: Place the smaller bag into the larger one and seal them both tightly. Time to get a little physical: gently massage the bag for 10 to 20 minutes until the mixture reaches a clay-like consistency. If you're feeling the burn, don't worry—the end result will be worth the effort!

Step 9: Finally, it's time to scoop your homemade vanilla ice cream, serve it up, and savor the sweet, creamy taste. You've worked hard to create this delicious dessert, so don't forget to pat yourself on the back!

The lights dim down, the curtains close, and the crowd goes wild with a thunderous round of applause! We did it! We just traveled through the wacky, wild, and sometimes weird process of making ice cream! And boy, oh boy, did we learn a thing or two about this frozen treat?

But wait, there's more! We also learned how to whip up our own festive and delicious ice cream creations. So, if you're feeling a bit adventurous, why not give it a try yourself? You might just discover your inner ice cream master!

Now, listen up, folks, whether you're sunbathing on a hot summer day or cuddling up by the fireplace in the winter, there's no better treat than ice cream. It's creamy, it's dreamy, and it's oh-so-satisfying. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a scoop (or two) of your favorite flavor and dive into a world of pure, unadulterated pleasure.

And with that, I bid you adieu, dear friends! From my small yet festive workstation, I wish you a merry and bright holiday season filled with all the sweetness life has to offer. So, until next time, stay cool, stay groovy, and most importantly, stay delicious!