Now that I have your attention ;)
I was one of the lucky kids that grew up making homemade ice cream. On a hot summer's night we'd go out on the porch and hand churn it. There's honestly nothing like it. We experimented with a ton of different flavors and before long, we all had our favorites. The only bummer? The churn was really difficult to operate and extremely exhausting, which meant only the grown ups and big kids could partake in the making of it. I have to say that the thing that makes the ice cream so delicious is the satisfaction and pride of knowing that you made it! That's where "Kick The Can Ice Cream" comes in. I know, I know old school! But I put a spin on it that is beyond easy and ridiculously AWESOME...
Yeah, that's right. I already posted about those. Irregardless! {For those of you who were unaware, I am originally from Dorchester, Ma. Irregardless (pronounced irr-ah-gahd-less) may not be a word anywhere else, but all of yous from Dot know it is.} Onward!
Materials:
pop top cans
1 or 3 pound coffee cans with lids
ingredients for the ice cream
ice
rock salt
Tools:
human body!
Step 1: Get Fruity
As in my last pop top tutorial, I'm using fruit cocktail pop top cans. They're small and cute and perfect for this fun, backyard project!
Open the can on the BOTTOM with a safety edge can opener! You can either save the cans as you eat the contents or empty all the fruit cans you need into a large storage container and save it, (Sadly, it's loaded with preservatives, so no worries about it spoiling!) but either way, rinse immediately!
Step 2: Pick Your Flavor!
There are so many awesome recipes out there {easy and involved} but honestly it's not rocket science. Play with your ingredients to get your desired taste effect. Here are a few recipes that are AMAZING!!!!
Cinnamon Ice Cream - Slightly more involved, but WOW!
Vanilla Ice Cream - Easy and perfect as a base. Add in suggestions: banana chunks, walnuts, chocolate chips, etc.
Chocolate Ice Cream- Again, more involved, but cooking DEFINITELY makes a richer ice cream!
Mint- Ooooh... Chocolate Chips or Oreos?
Strawberry- add small bits of graham cracker to get a strawberry cheesecake-ish taste!
Once you choose your flavors, mix up the ingredients as instructed and pour evenly into the pop top cans. In most cases, the mixture can be stored in big zipper bags in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it, which is key if this idea appeals to you for a birthday party activity! The kids can pick their flavors from the pre-mixed options and you can go from there :)
Step 3: Close up the Cans
Using a food safe glue (here's one!) seal the bottom of the pop top can. Keep in mind that you really only need a small amount of the glue to seal it. Since you're using a safety edge can opener, there will be a lip to apply the glue so that the ice cream isn't actually coming in contact with the glue at all. Use an ample amount of thick rubber bands to secure the base to the can, since it's going to be kicked around and all! (If you don't think you can be that careful with the glue or the idea of it just creeps you out, use electrical tape on the bottom and rubber bands for a bit more support. It would be tempting to use duct tape, but electrical tape will stretch tightly around the base of the can to really seal it nicely.)
Place the sealed pop top can into a large coffee can- a 1 pound can will be good for one small pop top can and a 3 pounder will hold two small pop top cans. Fill the coffee can with ice and add 1 cup of rock salt (Table salt will do if you don't have rock salt) Put the lid on the coffee can and duct tape the crapolla out of it!
Step 5: Get your KICKS!
Kick the can around keeping it rolling constantly for about 10 minutes. (10 minutes of vigorous exercise for a 150 pound person = up to 100 cal!) Open the large coffee can. Dump out melted ice, refill with fresh ice and another cup of salt and kick for another 10 minutes! (Another 100 cal!)
Step 6:(If making as a gift, pre-making for a party, or stocking the freezer)
Make labels for your super, amazing, fantastic, "kicksies" ... well they're not hoodsies! You can whip something up in paint, have the kids hand make them, or make something along the lines of the party favor tutorial but don't skip this. It's all about presentation!
Step 7: Let them eat ICE CREAM :)
Pop the tops and enjoy your homemade treat, you earned those calories! Mmmmmm... so good!
If you make your own, please share pics, recipes, stories, etc! I want to know all about it :)