The Gardener’s Rake: Ice Cream in a Bag

We often refer to this area as NW PA’s Garden of Eden but with the snow piling up and wondering if we will loose power I find I have cabin fever. This is the time in life when I get in trouble.

So to take the edge off it’s time for a little fun. I’d like to share a project I have done in the past with my niece and nephews. Its called Ice Cream in a Bag.

Really, who could even turn down Ice Cream in the winter? Particularly if it’s homemade Ice Cream! Peppermint ice cream with dark chocolate flecks
Creative Commons License photo credit: joyosity

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1/2-teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup salt (Bigger granules work better. Kosher or rock salt works best, but table salt works fine.)
  • Ice cubes (enough to fill each gallon-size bag about half full)
  • 1 pint-size ziplock bag
  • 1 gallon-size ziplock bag

1. Combine the sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract in a pint-size bag and seal it tightly.

2. Place the salt and ice in the gallon-size bag, then place the sealed smaller bag inside as well. Seal the larger bag. Now shake the bags until the mixture hardens (about 5 minutes). Feel the small bag to determine when it’s done.

3. Take the smaller bag out of the larger one and add flavorings. Pureed fruit, nuts, chocolate syrup and fruit juices are just a few ideas that make great ice cream.  If you want you can eat the ice cream right out of the bag. Kids love using the bag as a bowl and clean up is a breeze. Each bag makes one serving.

If your adventurous use snow instead of ice cubes, just watch out for the yellow snow.

My niece and nephews loved making ice cream like this. We would add frozen raspberries or blackberries that had been put away in the summer from the berry bushes out back. It brought back memories of hot summer days and the kids working (really playing) in the gardens.

Give this recipe a try. It’s easy and a fun project for kids of all ages. If you are one of those lucky few living in warm weather make two bags!

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10 responses to “The Gardener’s Rake: Ice Cream in a Bag”

  1. Teriss

    I just had to stop in and I was shivering for a minute -when you mentioned the consumption of ice cream in January. I like the blackberries….though.
    Burrrr……ice cream.

    Teriss’s last blog post..South Florida Couple Clone Their Dog Lancelot

  2. Okay, this looks like a lot of fun- and I am one of those weird people that like icecream when it’s cold, so I may just give it a try. Thanks for posting this!

    Tessa at Blunders with shoots, blossoms ‘n roots’s last blog post..Opps…sorry!

  3. Wizzer

    Perfect for when the ice cream van can’t get through! Seem to be a few people disagreeing about whether ice cream is just a fair weather thing.

    Wizzer’s last blog post..How To Put Video On Your Blog

  4. Denise

    Ice cream makes you feel warmer Terris! Of course I have an extra set of long underwear on and gloves…. Pass the hot chocolate topping please, and nuts. Denise

  5. Denise

    It is fun Tessa. And a quick project too. You’ll have to try it in your soon to be cooler climate you are moving too. Denise

  6. Denise

    Hey Wizzer…. the ice cream van might not make it through today. But There’s plenty of baggies. Denise

  7. Megan

    This sounds like a wonderful project for this spring and summer! I’ve never made ice cream before but your directions seem easy and straightforward. If I do get up the nerve to make some when it gets warmer, I’ll be sure to let you know!!–lol

    Megan’s last blog post..3 More of 9 Fatal Mistakes Most New Internet Marketers Make

  8. Denise

    Ice cream is a fun project and homemade ice cream has the best flavor. Give making ice cream a try. Thanks for stopping by! Denise

  9. This sounds yummie….but we have snow again today! I’ll be sure to give it a try when my grandkids are over. I have blackberries in the Summer too..Can’t wait to try it!

    Barbara’s last blog post..Relax With Barbara On Wednesday 24

  10. Denise

    The grand kids will love this project. Denise

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