Ice cream can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as a custard or cream base, flavorings, and occasionally solids like chocolate chips. Sugar, cream, milk, and eggs are common ingredients in the base, though individual recipes vary. Extracts, flavored oils, candy, nuts, and fruits are frequently used as flavorings and solids. However, any toppings or flavorings desired may be added. Those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to eggs can still enjoy ice cream because the base can be made with almond or soy milk, tofu, and fruit.
The base is the most important ice cream ingredient, which can be made with or without an ice cream maker. Eggs, sugar, milk, and cream are the most common ice cream ingredients used to make a base. To make a cream base, combine sugar and cream or milk, but some people prefer to heat these ice cream ingredients with eggs to make a creamy, custard base instead. Low-fat or non-fat milk or cream can be used as the base for light or low-fat ice cream. After preparing the base, a person can add whatever flavorings and solid ingredients he wants.
Ice cream requires flavorings, and there are many different ways to flavor it. Almost anything can be used to make a simple ice cream base more appealing. To make a customized treat, mix fresh fruits, marshmallows, crumbled cookies, crushed candies, nuts, and chocolate chips into an ice cream base. To add interesting flavors, use vanilla beans, cocoa powder, spices, and a variety of herbs; extracts and liqueurs, such as citrus, peppermint, cinnamon, coconut, and vanilla, are also simple ways to flavor ice cream. In fact, for a unique flavor, one can add green tea to his ice cream mixture.
For those who do not consume certain animal products, such as vegans or those who have lactose intolerance, there are also alternatives to the traditional dairy- and egg-based ice cream. Instead of cow’s milk, soy milk, silken tofu, or almond milk can be used to make a dairy- and egg-free ice cream base. However, the ingredients used in each dairy- and egg-free ice cream recipe differ. Eggs can be omitted from the recipe, as if it were a cream base. After the base is made with dairy-free alternatives, other ice cream ingredients that aren’t made with eggs or dairy can be added.