# Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ice Cream Base**: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. **Chill the Mixture**: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the ice cream base in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling the mixture helps improve the texture and flavor of the ice cream.
3. **Churn the Ice Cream**: Once the ice cream base is chilled, pour it into the bowl of an ice cream maker. Churn the mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
4. **Freeze the Ice Cream**: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
5. **Serve**: Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve immediately. You can also add toppings or sauces of your choice, such as chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.
6. **Enjoy**: Enjoy your homemade ice cream as a delicious treat!
### Tips:
- Experiment with different flavor variations by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit puree, or nuts to the ice cream base before churning.
- For a richer and creamier texture, you can use a higher fat content in the cream and milk, such as heavy cream and whole milk.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make ice cream at home by pouring the chilled mixture into a shallow baking dish and freezing it. Every 30 minutes, remove the dish from the freezer and stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals until the ice cream is uniformly frozen.
- Store any leftover homemade ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften slightly.
With this basic homemade ice cream recipe, you can create creamy and delicious ice cream in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature treats!