Out & About August 2017

OA food & drink

If you like to make your own ice cream, you don’t need an ice cream machine. Look for recipes that say ‘no-churn’ and you can simply pop in the freezer, taking out every so often to stir and break up the ice crystals. With some recipes, you don’t even have to do that – you simply pop in a container, freeze and then just bring out of the freezer for 10-15 minutes to soften. But if you really like home-made, a machine will do all the work for you. But what to choose? Here’s three of the best at three different prices Whether you like a simple cone, a Mr Whippy with a flake or you prefer to make your own, HILARY SCOTT has it licked. Here’s where to buy the best in the area, which are the best ice cream-makers and some lip-smacking recipes All for DIY ice cream

Party time Children love an ice cream parlour table at parties. Simply supply the cones or cups of ice cream and let them put on their own toppings. Here’s some suggestions… Sauces – chocolate, strawberry, caramel Fresh fruit – diced peaches, pears, bananas, strawberries. Virtually any fruit will do. Marshmallows M&Ms Jelly beans

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1. Kenwood IM200 This really is a bargain, though it only makes a litre at a time. However, it will make it in less than 40 minutes and has a fast-freezing insulated bowl. It’s also a model that will look neat on your countertop Between £24.99 and £30 from Amazon and Currys/PC World with a one-year guarantee 2. Cuisinart ice cream maker The bowl turns in this medium-priced maker and the paddle stays still. This is good for a quick taste while it is churning. It will make two litres, which is a lot of ice cream, but it is bigger than many models £74.99 from John Lewis with a five-year guarantee 3. Sage by Heston Blumenthal This really is the deluxe ice cream maker as you would expect from the chef who once made the world’s largest Mr Whippy. With this machine, you can choose the hardness of your make. It takes just 10 minutes for the ice cream to get to the right temperature. A real workhorse of a machine too £278 from John Lewis with a two-year guarantee

Popcorn Pretzels

Gummy Bears Banana chips Freeze-dried strawberry slices Raisins

No machine? No problem Two recipes that don’t need an ice cream maker

Elderflower ice cream If you make elderflower syrup, this is a great way to use some up. Alternatively, Belvoir sells a delicious one to use in this creamy, fragrant ice cream. 3 egg yolks 3 egg whites 2 oz caster sugar 5-6 tablespoons of elderflower cordial tablespoon of grated lemon peel 275ml double cream Beat egg whites until stiff and gradually beat in sugar. In another bowl beat egg yolks until beginning to thicken and beat in elderflower cordial and lemon peel. Whip cream lightly and then fold into egg yolk mixture and egg whites. Place in a freezer container overnight to freeze.

Vanilla ice cream So easy and so delicious. 4 free-range eggs, separated 3½oz caster sugar

½pint double cream 1tsp vanilla extract

Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until stiff peaks form when the whisk is removed. Slowly whisk in the caster sugar, then continue to whisk until the egg whites are stiff and glossy. Whisk the cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed.

Fold the cream, egg yolks and vanilla extract into the whites mixture until well combined. Pour into a plastic container and freeze for at least two hours.

There is no need to re-whip. Recipe courtesy of Belvoir

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