On a stick, with water, in a cone, in a refreshing tub, as an iced candy or a crunchy chocolate cake…
Ice cream varieties are all fresh and tasty, even with the most exotic flavors or without a drop of fat (or calories). If you've ever thought about making “homemade” ice cream but haven't yet taken the plunge, don't let another summer go by without stepping out of your ice cream comfort zone.
Man is fascinated by anything ephemeral, and even more so when it's something that tastes good and needs to be eaten quickly, without guilt having time to set in. This is the secret of ice cream, and chefs know it well, having elevated it to an art form in many of their kitchens. The Chinese already knew this 3,000 years ago, when they perfected the first ice cream made from rice milk paste and snow. But it was Marco Polo who introduced it to Italy in the 13th century; it flourished there throughout the Middle Ages until, in 1686, Sicilian Francesco Procopio opened the Café Procope, where Louis XIV himself enjoyed his ice cream; in the 18th century, ice cream began to feature in cookery books and, in the 19th century, the first ice cream cups appeared in Paris. However, the democratization of ice cream only began in 1960, when the first refrigerators made it possible to enjoy ice cream at home. Today, ice cream has gone one step further, with the possibility of making it without leaving home, with the flavors and toppings we like best. Today, professional ice-cream makers allow us to enjoy the best Italian ice-cream recipes, as well as à la carte ice-creams: gluten-free or lactose-free, vegan or with the most original fruits and flavours… The limit is yours!
Discover the history of ice cream
The origins of ice cream go back 3,000 years, when the Chinese created the first ice cream made from rice milk paste and snow. This delicious delicacy was then introduced to Italy in the 13th century by Marco Polo. Over the centuries, ice cream was developed and popularized by such emblematic figures as Sicilian Francesco Procopio, who opened the Café Procope in Paris in 1686. It was not until the 19th century that ice cream began to feature in cookery books, and Parisians were able to sample the first ice cream cups. Since then, ice cream has continued to evolve until today, when it is accessible to all thanks to professional ice cream makers who offer a variety of recipes: gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, with exotic fruits and many others. The creative possibilities are endless!
The best way to enjoy homemade ice cream is to use a quality ice cream maker. One of the most popular on the market is the Cuisinart ICE100E. With a capacity of one and a half liters, this ice cream maker incorporates a compressor and an instant freezing bowl. Thanks to its “pro” blades, you can obtain different textures according to your preferences: creamy, compact or firmer. In just over half an hour, you can whip up a batch of delicious homemade ice cream and enjoy it all day long.
The many benefits of homemade ice cream
Not only is homemade ice cream delicious, it also has many health benefits. Did you know that ice cream is an excellent source of calcium? In addition to boosting your mood and making you happy, it refreshes, quenches and hydrates. What's more, homemade ice cream lets you add vitamin-rich fruits and nuts to your diet. And don't worry, there are sugar-free and fat-free options to suit all diets. Studies have even shown that eating ice cream activates the same areas of the brain as having a good time or listening to your favorite music. So it's no wonder that 15 billion liters of ice cream are consumed worldwide every year.
