How To Make Ice Cream - A Lesson From History!
Submitted By: William Keats 
It could easily be assumed that ice cream didn't find its way into our lives until the most recent centuries when more advanced refrigeration methods also stepped onto the scene. That assumption would generally be correct. Ice cream recipes, as we would identify them today, first appeared in 1718 as part of a cookbook entitled "Mrs. Mary Eale's Receipts" published in London. There are, however, iterations of this magnificent dessert speckled throughout history dating back thousands of years! The BBC reports that a frozen mixture of milk and rice was used in China sometime around 200 BC, and the Roman Emperor Nero—37-68 AD—had ice brought down from the mountains which was combined with fruit toppings. Obvious "pre-forms" of ice cream are in many ancient cultures, and they all have surely made significant contributions to the sweet and creamy treat we enjoy today.Ever since refrigeration was common place and reasonably inexpensive, ice cream was there. Today, you would be hard pressed to find too many kitchen freezers without some sort of frozen cream, soft-serve, gelato, or sorbet. Let's face it, these cool, rich desserts are truly irresistible. During the past 150 years or so, mechanical churns have been available on the open market, and freezing cream at home has greatly increased in popularity since it has become easier and more practical. Today, these machines are a well known way to churn up good times at home with family and friends. Learning how to make ice cream is easy, fun, and all you need is a good recipe and a proper ice cream machine!
So, why learn how to make ice cream? Imagine.. . you've invited a few friends over to your home on a pleasant weekend evening. After having enjoyed a satisfying spread equal in magnificence only to the evening itself, you all gather around for one of the most time-honored after meal traditions of this century: you share conversation over a chilled bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream! One truly amazing fact about that wonderful dessert you're enjoying is that it took thousands of years to become what it is today. That's truly extraordinary! History itself has taught us how to make ice cream, and knowing how is really a must for everyone since homemade is nearly always better than store bought. So, who brought the chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs?
Finding recipes and the perfect freezing/churning appliance suitable to your particular needs could truly never be easier. Sure, you could go down to the local kitchen store to find one, but why not use the Internet instead? Find recipes, share your own, and pick out exactly what you're looking for all without leaving home. Make sure to not let the warmer evenings pass you by; be prepared with everything you need to prepare the perfect afternoon or after-dinner treat. Don't forget to remember this the next time you enjoy a spoonful of your favorite homemade ice cream on your front porch: you're tasting something special passed down through the ages!
