Category : Kitchen Science | Sub Category : Ice Cream in a Bag Posted on 2023-07-07 21:24:53
Kitchen Science: How to Make Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag
Introduction:
Do you ever crave a sweet, creamy treat on a hot summer day but don't have an ice cream maker? Well, we've got the perfect solution for you â homemade ice cream in a bag! Not only is it a great way to cool down, but it's also an exciting science experiment that you can do right in your kitchen. In this blog post, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of creating your very own ice cream using just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen science.
Materials Needed:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- ½ cup rock salt
- Quart-sized resealable plastic bag
- Gallon-sized resealable plastic bag
- Oven mitts or a towel
Step 1: Create the Ice Cream Base
In the quart-sized plastic bag, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that there are no leaks.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Bath
Fill the gallon-sized plastic bag halfway with ice cubes. Add the rock salt on top of the ice. The salt will lower the temperature, allowing the mixture to freeze more quickly.
Step 3: Combine the Bags
Place the sealed quart-sized bag containing the ice cream base into the gallon-sized bag filled with ice and salt. Seal the larger bag tightly.
Step 4: Shake, Shake, Shake!
Hold the bag with oven mitts or wrap it in a towel to protect your hands from the cold. Start shaking the bags vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. This constant motion will cause the ice cream mixture to freeze.
Step 5: Check the Consistency
After shaking, carefully open the gallon-sized bag and check the consistency of your ice cream. If it's still too soft, reseal the bags and continue shaking for a few more minutes. Keep checking until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade Ice Cream!
When your ice cream has reached the desired consistency, remove the quart-sized bag from the gallon-sized bag. Wipe off any excess salt from the bag before opening it. Transfer the ice cream to a bowl or cone, and feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
Kitchen Science Behind It:
Creating ice cream in a bag involves a scientific process called freezing point depression. By adding rock salt to the ice, the melting point of the ice is lowered, allowing it to get colder than 0 degrees Celsius. When the ice cream mixture comes into contact with the super-cold ice and salt mixture, it starts to freeze quickly, resulting in a creamy texture. The constant movement when shaking the bags prevents ice crystals from forming, giving you smooth and delicious ice cream.
Wrap-Up:
Making homemade ice cream in a bag is not only a fun kitchen activity but also a great way to explore the science behind freezing point depression. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of shaking, you can create a refreshing and tasty treat without the need for an expensive ice cream maker. So, the next time you're craving some chilly bliss, grab your ingredients, get shaking, and enjoy the satisfying results of your kitchen science experiment.
