Best Alton Browns Ice Cream Recipes

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SERIOUS VANILLA ICE CREAM



Serious Vanilla Ice Cream image

The secret to Alton Brown's Serious Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Good Eats on Food Network: two tablespoons of peach preserves and a whole vanilla bean.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 11h

Yield 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups half-and-half
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup minus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons peach preserves (not jelly)
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients (including the bean and its pulp) in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Attach a frying or candy thermometer to inside of pan. (see note below) Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to 170 degrees F. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Remove the hull of the vanilla bean, pour mixture into lidded container and refrigerate mixture overnight to mellow flavors and texture.
  • Freeze mixture in ice cream freezer according to unit's instructions. The mixture will not freeze hard in the machine. Once the volume has increased by 1/2 to 3/4 times, and reached a soft serve consistency, spoon the mixture back into a lidded container and harden in the freezer at least 1 hour before serving.
  • NOTE: If you do not have a thermometer, bring the mixture just barely to a simmer. As soon as you see a bubble hit the surface, remove it from the heat. Do not let it boil.

VANILLA ICE CREAM



Vanilla Ice Cream image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 8h18m

Yield 1 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
8 large egg yolks
9 ounces vanilla sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place the half-and-half and the heavy cream into a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar and whisk to combine. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding small amounts, until about a third of the cream mixture has been added. Pour in the remainder and return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170 to 175 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a container and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and once it is cool enough not to form condensation on the lid, cover and store for 4 to 8 hours or until the temperature reaches 40 degrees F or below.
  • Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. This should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Serve as is for soft serve or freeze for another 3 to 4 hours to allow the ice cream to harden.

CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM



Chocolate Ice Cream image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 8h18m

Yield 1 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 ounces unsweetened cocoa powder, approximately 1/2 cup
3 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
8 large egg yolks
9 ounces sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place the cocoa powder along with 1 cup of the half-and-half into a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine. Add the remaining half-and-half and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar and whisk to combine. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding small amounts, until about 1/3 of the cream mixture has been added. Pour in the remainder and return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170 to 175 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a container and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and once it is cool enough not to form condensation on the lid, cover and store for 4 to 8 hours or until the temperature reaches 40 degrees F or below.
  • Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. This should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Serve as is for soft serve or freeze for another 3 to 4 hours to allow the ice cream to harden.

AVOCADO ICE CREAM



Avocado Ice Cream image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 8h15m

Yield 1 quart ice cream

Number Of Ingredients 5

12 ounces avocado meat, approximately 3 small to medium
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Peel and pit the avocados. Add the avocados, lemon juice, milk, and sugar to a blender and puree. Transfer the mixture to a medium mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and whisk to combine. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and chill until it reaches 40 degrees F or below, approximately 4 to 6 hours.
  • Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions. However, this mixture sets up very fast, so count on it taking only 5 to 10 minutes to process. For soft ice cream, serve immediately. If desired, place in freezer for 3 to 4 hours for firmer texture.

ALTON BROWN'S BANANA ICE CREAM



Alton Brown's Banana Ice Cream image

This is the recipe used by Alton Brown on his banana episode. The ice cream is incredibly rich and delicious. Try it with chocolate syrup!

Provided by dscherck

Categories     Frozen Desserts

Time P1DT30m

Yield 1 quart, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 bananas
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Steps:

  • Place bananas in freezer and freeze overnight. Remove bananas from freezer and allow to thaw for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Peel bananas and place in bowl of food processor along with the lemon juice. Process for 10 to 15 seconds. Add corn syrup and vanilla bean seeds and turn processor on. Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Process until smooth. Chill mixture in refrigerator until it reaches 40 degrees. Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Place mixture in an airtight container and freeze for 3 to 6 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 647.3, Fat 33.7, SaturatedFat 20.8, Cholesterol 122.3, Sodium 75.4, Carbohydrate 92.3, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 39, Protein 3.8

ALTON BROWN'S ICE CREAM



Alton Brown's Ice Cream image

Make and share this Alton Brown's Ice Cream recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Taiger

Categories     Frozen Desserts

Time 2h10m

Yield 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 5

9 ounces vanilla sugar
8 egg yolks
3 cups half-and-half
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • In a medium sauce pan combine the half and half and heavy cream, stir over medium heat until just boiling.
  • Blend the egg yokes and SLOWLY add the sugar until all mixed.
  • Temper in the heated milk mixture.
  • Return to saucepan and over low heat bring mixture to 170 degrees.
  • Move to chilled metal bowl.
  • After slight cooling, add vanilla extract.
  • Chill until mixture reaches 40 degrees (usually overnight).
  • Add mixture to machine and add any additional flavorings.
  • Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2233.9, Fat 204.1, SaturatedFat 118.5, Cholesterol 2105.1, Sodium 449.2, Carbohydrate 45.5, Sugar 5.4, Protein 45.8

BURNED PEACH ICE CREAM



Burned Peach Ice Cream image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 13h25m

Yield About a quart and a half

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups half-and-half
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup peach preserves (not jelly)
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Pinch kosher salt
4 medium peaches, halved, seeded and grilled or broiled until brown

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients (including the bean and its pulp), except peaches, in a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Attach a frying or candy thermometer to inside of pan. (see note below) Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to 170 degrees F. Remove from heat and strain into a lidded container. Cool mixture, then refrigerate mixture overnight to mellow flavors and texture.
  • Freeze mixture in ice cream freezer according to unit's instructions. The mixture will not freeze hard in the machine. Meanwhile, chop peaches roughly. Once the volume has increased by 1/2 and reached a soft serve consistency, add the peaches and continue turning to incorporate. Spoon the mixture back into a lidded container and harden in the freezer at least 1 hour before serving.
  • NOTE: If you do not have a thermometer, bring the mixture just barely to a simmer. As soon as you see a bubble on the surface, remove it from th

BANANA ICE CREAM



Banana Ice Cream image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 6h35m

Yield about 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 (approximately 2 1/4 pounds) ripe bananas
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Steps:

  • Place bananas in freezer and freeze overnight. Remove bananas from freezer and allow to thaw for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Peel bananas and place in bowl of food processor along with the lemon juice. Process for 10 to 15 seconds. Add corn syrup and vanilla bean seeds and turn processor on. Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Process until smooth. Chill mixture in refrigerator until it reaches 40 degrees. Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Place mixture in an airtight container and freeze for 3 to 6 hours before serving.

MINT CHIP ICE CREAM



Mint Chip Ice Cream image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 8h18m

Yield 1 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups half-and-half
1 cup heavy cream
8 large egg yolks
9 ounces sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint oil
3 ounces chocolate-mint candies, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Place the half-and-half and the heavy cream into a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar and whisk to combine. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding small amounts, until about 1/3 of the cream mixture has been added. Pour in the remainder and return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170 to 175 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a container and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the peppermint oil and stir to combine. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and once it is cool enough not to form condensation on the lid, cover and store for 4 to 8 hours or until it reaches 40 degrees F or below.
  • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker; add the chopped candies and process according to the manufacturers directions. This should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Serve as is for soft serve or freeze for another 3 to 4 hours to allow the ice cream to harden.

Based on the culinary expertise of Alton Brown, his ice cream recipes have been an instant hit amongst many audiences. His unique approach to the making of ice cream is unconventional, yet his recipes are known to produce some of the best-tasting ice creams out there.

The Science behind Alton Brown’s Ice Cream

Alton Brown's ice cream recipes have a scientific twist to them. Unlike traditional ice cream making, his recipes call for the use of nitrogen and dry ice. This method of making ice cream results in an ice cream that is silkier, creamier, and more flavorful. It's all thanks to the quick and efficient cooling provided by nitrogen and dry ice, which results in smaller ice crystals, leaving the ice cream almost completely smooth.

The Ingredients Used

The ingredients used in Alton Brown’s ice cream recipes are straightforward, and the majority of them can be found in your local grocery store. The use of high-quality ingredients such as fresh cream and eggs makes all the difference in the final product. Brown often advocates experimenting with different flavors and textures to make ice cream that suits your taste buds.
Sugar
Sugar is a vital component of any ice cream recipe. Alton Brown’s recipes call for different types of sugar, including granulated sugar and corn syrup. The use of corn syrup results in a smoother texture and prevents crystallization.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is a crucial ingredient in Alton Brown’s ice cream recipes. It's responsible for giving the ice cream its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Eggs
Eggs add a unique texture to the ice cream, making it richer and smoother.
Milk
Milk is an essential ingredient in Alton Brown’s ice cream recipes. The use of whole milk results in a creamy and flavorful ice cream.

The Process

Alton Brown’s ice cream recipes are relatively simple to make. The process begins by heating the cream, milk, sugar, and any additional ingredients added to the recipe, such as vanilla extract, over medium heat. In a separate mixing bowl, the eggs are whisked together until fluffy. A small portion of the warm mixture is then added to the egg mixture, followed by the rest of the warm mixture. This method helps to temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling in the hot cream mixture. The mixture is then returned to the stove and continuously stirred until it thickens. At this point, the mixture is poured through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits. The mixture is then cooled, and the flavorings, such as fruit puree or chocolate chips, are added. Alton Brown's unique method of using nitrogen and dry ice involves pouring the cooled mixture into a metal bowl, adding liquid nitrogen or dry ice, and whipping the mixture until it's frozen. This whole process takes only a few minutes, and the result is an incredibly smooth and creamy ice cream.

Conclusion

Alton Brown's ice cream recipes offer a refreshingly new approach to the making of ice cream. His methods, ingredients, and attention to detail have resulted in ice cream that is simply divine. The use of nitrogen and dry ice may seem intimidating, but with practice, it’s a simple and efficient method of making ice cream that you’re sure to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to make chocolate or vanilla ice cream, Alton Brown’s recipes never disappoint.
Making homemade ice cream can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are many recipes available online, but Alton Brown's ice cream recipes are among some of the best. Alton Brown is a renowned chef and food scientist who has put a unique twist on classic recipes. If you're thinking of making Alton Brown's ice cream recipes, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure success. In this article, we'll provide you with valuable tips to make the best Alton Brown's ice cream recipes.

Tip 1: Use High-Quality Ingredients

Any recipe, including Alton Brown's ice cream recipes, are only as good as the ingredients used. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best results. Alton Brown emphasizes using organic and natural ingredients to make ice cream. Avoid using ingredients with artificial colors, flavors, and additives, as they can affect the texture and taste of the ice cream. Additionally, use fresh and ripe fruits to get the best flavor.
Tip 1.1: Choosing the Right Milk
Alton Brown's ice cream recipes use whole milk as the base. However, you can use other types of milk, such as 2% or 1%, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that using milk with higher fat content will result in a creamier and richer ice cream. You can also use alternative milk, such as soy or almond milk, but keep in mind that they will affect the texture and taste of the ice cream.
Tip 1.2: Selecting the Best Cream
Heavy cream is a key ingredient in Alton Brown's ice cream recipes. It provides the richness and smoothness that most people associate with ice cream. When choosing heavy cream, look for brands that are thick and have a higher fat content. Avoid using light cream or half-and-half, as they will not result in the same texture and flavor.
Tip 1.3: Picking the Right Sugar
Alton Brown's ice cream recipes use granulated sugar as the sweetener. You can also use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, but keep in mind that they will affect the flavor and color of the ice cream. When choosing sugar, make sure it's fresh and free of lumps. Also, avoid using artificial sweeteners, as they may not result in the same texture and taste.

Tip 2: Invest in an Ice Cream Maker

Making ice cream without an ice cream maker is possible, but it requires a lot of work and may not result in the same texture and consistency as ice cream made with an ice cream maker. Investing in an ice cream maker is worth it if you plan on making ice cream frequently. Alton Brown's ice cream recipes provide instructions for using an ice cream maker, so make sure to follow them closely.
Tip 2.1: Choosing the Right Ice Cream Maker
There are several types of ice cream makers available on the market, including manual, electric, and self-freezing. Manual ice cream makers require manual stirring, while electric ice cream makers have electric motors that do the work for you. Self-freezing ice cream makers have built-in freezers and do not require pre-freezing of the bowl. Choose an ice cream maker that fits your needs and budget.
Tip 2.2: Preparing the Ice Cream Maker
Before starting to make ice cream, make sure to read the instructions for the ice cream maker and prepare it accordingly. Most ice cream makers require pre-freezing of the bowl for a certain amount of time before use. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for pre-freezing the bowl. Also, make sure that the ice cream maker is clean and free of any debris.

Tip 3: Follow the Recipe Closely

Alton Brown's ice cream recipes are well tested and provide detailed instructions for making ice cream. To get the best results, make sure to follow the recipe closely. Do not make any substitutions or omissions unless you're an experienced ice cream maker who knows how to make adjustments. Also, measure all ingredients accurately and follow the sequence of adding ingredients.
Tip 3.1: Adjusting the Recipe
If you're an experienced ice cream maker, you can make some adjustments to the recipe to suit your taste. For example, you can increase or decrease the amount of sugar or add more or less fruit. However, keep in mind that making significant changes to the recipe can affect the texture and consistency of the ice cream.
Tip 3.2: Chilling the Mixture
All of Alton Brown's ice cream recipes require chilling the mixture before churning. This helps to develop the flavor and texture of the ice cream. Make sure to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for the specified amount of time before churning. Also, keep the ice cream mixture covered to prevent any funky flavors from the refrigerator.

Tip 4: Use Proper Churning Techniques

Churning is the process of mixing and freezing the ice cream mixture in an ice cream maker. Proper churning techniques are essential to get the right texture and consistency. Alton Brown's ice cream recipes provide instructions for churning, so make sure to follow them closely.
Tip 4.1: Churning Time
The churning time for Alton Brown's ice cream recipes varies depending on the recipe and the type of ice cream maker used. Follow the instructions closely and do not over-churn the ice cream, as this can affect the texture and consistency. Under-churning can also result in a grainy and icy texture.
Tip 4.2: Adding Mix-ins
Alton Brown's ice cream recipes often include mix-ins, such as fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. If you're adding mix-ins, make sure to do so during the last few minutes of churning. This allows the mix-ins to be evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.

Tip 5: Proper Storage

Proper storage of homemade ice cream is important to prevent ice crystals from forming and affecting the texture and taste of the ice cream. Alton Brown's ice cream recipes provide instructions for storing the ice cream, so make sure to follow them closely.
Tip 5.1: Freezing the Ice Cream
After churning the ice cream, you need to freeze it to allow it to harden. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Make sure to remove any air pockets and smooth out the surface of the ice cream. Keep the ice cream in the freezer for the specified amount of time before serving.
Tip 5.2: Thawing the Ice Cream
To serve the ice cream, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Alternatively, you can place the container in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow it to soften gradually. Avoid using a microwave to thaw the ice cream, as this can result in a soupy texture.

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