I went to Rittman Orchards and picked fresh strawberries.  I have not done this since I was a child and forced to do this with my family–child Mauri-1labor laws were not in effect back then.  Isn’t it funny how things are much more enjoyable when you, as an adult, decide to do things, compared to when you are a child and forced to do things?  I give you afternoon naps as a prime example.  What I wouldn’t give for those afternoon naps now.  I didn’t know how good I had it when I was a kid.  I decided to combine 2 of my favorite things–ice cream and strawberries–as you can imagine the result was total deliciousness.  Get out, pick some fresh strawberries, make ice cream, and by all means take a nap.

Strawberry Ice Cream

32 oz. half and half
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup of fresh strawberries, remove the stems
2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar

In a 2 quart container, combine the half and half and the sweetened condensed milk. In a separate bowl mash together the sugar and strawberries. Add the strawberry mixture to the half and half mixture, stir and refrigerate several hours or overnight.Strawberry ice cream

Pour the ice cream mixture into your ice cream freezer and follow the directions for making ice cream.  With my ice cream freezer, I put the mixture in the canister, put the “paddle” in the middle of the canister, secure the lid and put  it into the “tub” of the ice cream maker.  I put the motor on the top.  I layer ice from my ice maker and rock salt.  Keep doing this until the tub is filled.  End with salt on the top.  Plug in the ice cream maker and let it work its magic.  As the ice melts down add additional ice and salt until the ice cream is made.  This can take 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker this is a great investment. They are very reasonably priced. As I mentioned I have an electric model. I use the ice from my ice maker and I buy a 50 pound bag of rock salt at Copley Feed and I am good to go.

Hope you enjoy this.  Make some homemade ice cream and you are sure to make great memories.  Until next time…From our Butcher Block to your Table.