Try different ingredients and different mixing methods to create homemade ice cream in the fastest possible time.
Materials Needed:
- Sealable plastic bags like Ziploc-brand (one large and one small)
- Ice cubes
- Salt
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen thermometer
- Added ingredients, like sprinkles, chocolate chips, mini-marshmallows, etc. (optional)
- Timer
- Mittens, oven mitts, or towel
The Challenge:
Create homemade ice cream in the fastest possible time.
Success:
The ice cream is created in less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
Here are some tips:
First, think through your experiment plan. How many batches of ice cream do you want to make? It might be good to make one plain batch and then a second batch with added ingredients.
Second, shaking/agitating the mixture is important to this process. What ways can you shake or agitate the cream mixture so that it cools down quickly?
Instructions:
- Gather the materials.
- Mix your ice cream base: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Prepare the ice bath: Fill the large plastic bag halfway with ice cubes. Add about 1/2 cup of salt to the bag.
- Pour the ice cream base into the small plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly.
- Put the small plastic bag into the large plastic bag with the ice and salt mixture. Seal the large bag tightly, ensuring no salt or ice can escape.
- Shake and mix: Shake the bag vigorously for at least four minutes. The ice and salt mixture absorbs heat from the cream mixture, which turns into a solid ice cream. Keep track of how long it takes to turn into ice cream. Can you think up ways to speed up this process?
CAUTION: The bag with ice will get very cold. Use mittens, oven mitts, or a towel to protect your hands while shaking the bag. - Check the temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the ice cream mixture. It should be around 18°F (-8°C) when it’s ready.
- Starting over from the beginning, try another batch with added ingredients. Did it take more time or less time than the plain batch?
- When your ice cream experiments are completed, congratulations! You are now thinking like a chemical engineer! Enjoy your tasty treat!!
Share your creation with us by posting a photo on Instagram, Facebook, or X and tagging us @SWENext.
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