How is it that ice cream can come in so many varieties, yet I still can’t find a flavour that is exactly what I want?
Which is why I have become a fan of doctored ice creams. It’s pretty simple really — buy a brand of chocolate or vanilla ice cream that you like, soften it, add to it whatever you like in whichever proportions you like, then refreeze and enjoy.
My personal favourite: balsamic strawberry chocolate cookie ice cream. Try finding that at the grocer.
Doctored Ice Cream
Start to finish: 2 hours (10 minutes active)
500 ml (1 pint or 2 cups) vanilla or chocolate ice cream
Add-ins (see list below)
Open the ice cream and microwave on high power for about 30 seconds. Timing will vary widely depending on the power of your microwave. You will need to watch this very carefully. It’s best to work in 10-second intervals, checking the ice cream between each. You are aiming for just soft enough to mix with a spoon, but not melted.
Transfer the softened ice cream to a large bowl and add the ingredients of your choice. Mix well, then transfer to a litre-size container with a tight lid. Freeze until solid, 1 to 2 hours.
Makes 6 servings.
Add-In Suggestions:
• Dried cherries and broken chocolate-covered pretzels
• Crumbled chewy molasses cookies and apricot jam
• Crushed banana chips, mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips
• Almond extract and chunks of marzipan
• Chopped macadamia nuts, toasted coconut and dried pineapple
• Chopped salted peanuts, caramel sauce, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.