Simple Creamy Homemade Ice Cream

Start by combining your milk and sugar in a medium saucepan. Stirring it gently, ensure the sugar completely dissolves. This process could take about 1-2 minutes on medium heat. Remember not to boil it - we are aiming to only warm the milk so the sugar dissolves seamlessly.

Once the sugar is dissolved, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's important to use high-quality vanilla extract, as it will dramatically boost the flavor profile.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. This step is crucial because if you put the hot mixture in the freezer, it will lower the temperature of your freezer, affecting its overall functionality.

Once cooled, cover the mixture and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Additionally, chilling the mixture before freezing makes the ice cream smoother and creamier.

After chilling, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Not owning an ice cream maker is no excuse! You can pour the mixture in an airtight container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours or until it's firm enough to scoop. Trust me, showing patience in this step will reward you with the perfect consistency and flavor concentration of your homemade ice cream.