How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

What do zip-top bags have to do with ice cream? You can use one to make ice cream in only ten minutes! After all, how many of us actually own an ice cream machine?

Source: How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag by TipHero

Ice Cream in a Bag
Prep: 10 Mins | Total: 25 Mins
Serves: 1 cup of ice cream
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
1 Cup Half and Half (If you do not have half and half you can use equal parts milk and heavy whipping cream)
2-3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/8 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Optional)
1/3 Cup Flavorings (chocolate chips, cookie dough, chopped fruit, etc.) (Optional) (can add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to taste for chocolate ice cream)
1/2 Cup Ice Cream or Rock Salt (Can substitute kosher salt)
4-6 Cups Ice
Directions
In a small zip-top bag, combine half and half, sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract and any optional flavoring, if desired. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible in the process. Mix the ingredients together by squeezing the bag.
Fill a gallon sized freezer bag halfway with ice. Add ice cream salt over the ice. Shake the bag to help distribute the salt.
Place the bag of ice cream mixture inside the ice filled bag and seal well. Using a kitchen towel or oven mitts, to protect your hands from the cold, shake the bag vigorously, and continuously, until the mixture become firm, about 10-15 minutes.
Remove the ice cream filled bag and wipe off the excess salt. Scoop and serve immediately or place in your freezer for an hour to firm slightly.
Chef Tips
Use a kitchen towel or oven mitts to protect your hands from the cold while shaking ice cream.
Use heavy-duty plastic bags.

You can avoid expensive equipment, and in some simple steps, have your own ice cream in minutes. And yes, while this is a great project for children, I don’t know any adults that don’t enjoy ice cream.

Vanilla is super easy, but you’ll want to kick the fun up a notch with strawberry or chocolate flavors by adding chopped up fruit or chocolate chips.  Get creative with the flavors you try!

TipHero

If you’re looking for the “science” explanation, the salt lowers the freezing point of the water, which allows it to get colder than ice (about 28 degrees Fahrenheit). This super-cold water and ice mixture causes the liquid milk mixture to freeze and become solid. Just shake it!  You’ll start to notice it getting thicker by simply feeling through the bag, which makes it seem like magic!

If ice cream is all you can think about now, check out these delicious recipes: