In the last few months, day-to-day life has changed quite a bit. Like most of you, I’ve worked hard to adjust to a new reality while maintaining sanity. And y’all, it hasn’t been easy. I mean, seriously, can we take a moment to celebrate our ability to adapt in the midst of uncertainty? To the parents that have taken on home-schooling, the healthcare professionals that work countless hours and the small businesses continuing to support their communities, I acknowledge you and I thank you.
With all that being said, there are pieces of my so-called “normal” life that I’ve found myself missing a lot lately. Family visits to the beach and solo trips to the movie theater are high on my “miss list”. But, the one I thing I miss the most? Date nights with my husband!
For years, my man and I have made it a point to keep up with regular date nights. One of our go-to spots is Frontera Grill, celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ restaurants in Chicago. Each decadent, romantic meal is made even more memorable by our dessert choice: Michigan Raspberry Ice Cream with D’aristi Rum. Each spoonful is life-affirming. Dramatic, I know, but it’s that good.
Tonight, I’m bringing the date night to my own home by recreating that refreshingly perfect raspberry ice cream. Shh, don’t tell my husband, it’s a surprise!
How to Make Raspberry Ice Cream
Since the moment I took the very first bite of that raspberry ice cream, I knew I needed to recreate it. It was crucial that I achieve that fresh, sweet raspberry flavor and smooth texture. And guess what y’all, I did it!
Here’s what I used to make it happen:
Raspberries – raspberries have a fresh sweetness to them, but their tart undertone makes them less sweet than a strawberry. Sometimes, they can even have a sort of floral, rose-like note. Their gorgeous color and enchanting flavor make for a stunning Summer treat.
TIP: Be sure to choose plump, dry, firm and uniformly colored raspberries. Avoid any withered, crushed or molded fruit.
Eggs & Eggs Yolks – eggs serve as both the base to our custard and a binder for the other ingredients. It’s best to work with room temperature eggs if possible.
Granulated Sugar – can’t make ice cream without a few spoonfuls of that sweet, magical fairy dust!
Heavy Whipping Cream – when aerated, HWC forms a smooth whipped cream that lightens the entirety of our mixture.
Half & Half – this is what will layer in that luscious, decadent element that any good ice cream should have.
All-Purpose Flour– flour will thicken the ice cream while in the mixer.
Vanilla Extract – vanilla is quite earthy and its floral notes highlight similar flavors in the raspberries.
Red Food Coloring (optional) – I wanted the color of this ice cream to truly ‘POP’. A few drops of food coloring does the trick!
DRESS IT UP!
Listen, this ice cream is incredible as is but, if you’re really looking to take things up a notch, you should totally go for it. I love using this recipe to dress up another dessert.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Chocolate Brownies topped with Raspberry Ice Cream
- Raspberry Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Raspberry Ice Cream Oreo Smoothie
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
If you’re someone who enjoys homemade ice cream as much as I do, I’d suggest investing in a high-quality container that can be used year round. This container is a favorite of mine; it’s inexpensive and doesn’t take up much freezer space.
Looking to share your frozen fare? Spread the love with family and friends by using these biodegradable containers. Be careful though, folks always come back for more!
TIP: This homemade ice cream will last for months in the freezer. Just be sure to keep the container tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
GRANDBABY CAKES MOST RAVISHING RASPBERRIES
If you ask me, raspberries are a bit underrated. From rich brownies to cool sorbets, raspberries can do it all. And boy, do they do it well! Care to challenge me on that? Do it by stirring up a few of my BEST raspberry-filled recipes:
- KEY LIME PIE W/ RASPBERRY SWIRL
- RASPBERRY LEMON BARS
- PEACH RASPBERRY ICE CREAM
- RASPBERRY S’MORES PIE
Raspberry Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 pound raspberries pureed with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 drops red food coloring optional
Instructions
- Beat eggs and egg yolks in a medium sized bowl. Next add sugar to the bowl and whisk together.
- Add heavy cream and half and half to a large pot and heat to boiling level. Remove from heat.
- Slowly add three tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture to temper it and whisk together to combine. Then slowly add in the rest of the milk mixture and continue whisk the entire time to make sure it doesn't scramble.
- Add in raspberries and flour and stir to combine.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to chill completely.
- Remove mixture from refrigerator and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add your mixture to an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions and freeze.
Mmm … that sounds soooooo good! I’m jealous – first you had dinner at Frontera Grill (something I’ve always wanted to do) and now you’re scooping up this deliciousness!
Frontera is so awesome! I can’t wait for you to try it!
Wow, just pinned. I bet this has a much brighter flavor than strawberry!
Yes, it has a much brighter flavor indeed!
So beautiful! I just love all of your recent berry recipes. I love that you provide directions for a vegan option too. I love summer and berries! Cannot get enough!
Thank you so much! I seriously think I am addicted to berries right now!
I would dream about it too! Raspberry ice cream sounds delicious & it’s so pretty!
Gosh I can’t tell you all the dreams I have had so far!
Oh my goodness yesssss! I cannot get enough of raspberries lately and this is just calling my name! Now to get an ice cream maker…
Aren’t raspberries the absolute greatest Georgia??
I just got my ice cream maker!!! I am on a huge ice cream kick… love this !!
Thanks so much!
This ice cream is goooorgeouuus! My bf loves raspberries and ice cream so this would like be THE THING for him!
Thank you so much! Raspberries are now my new thing.
Life changing dessert are The best desserts! This raspberry ice cream is gorgeous!! I’m crushing on your lovely ceramic ice cream container too! 😀
Thanks so much Valerie! I love that ice cream container almost as much as I love ice cream!
I have always wanted to go to Frontera Grill! Ah! This ice cream looks absolutely divine!! Such a perfect sweet summer treat!
Perfect for the summer Maria!! And you would love Frontera Grill!
My dream is to someday go to Frontera Grill! but until THAT happens, I’ll just have to make this ice cream. Sounds amazing and such a nice diversion from traditional strawberry!
Exactly Joanne! And you must go to Frontera! I am such a huge Rick Bayless fan!