Valentine’s Day is set aside to celebrate love, usually with something sweet. Instead of candy, perhaps try making this creamy, sweet treat from one of the world’s most romantic places, Italy. Gelato is a type of frozen dessert that is similar to ice cream, but it is made with more milk and less cream, which gives it a denser texture and a more intense flavor. It is also typically served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, which makes it more creamy and smooth.
You don’t have to go to Italy to enjoy gelato (though that would be very fun)! Just make gelato at home using this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups flavor base (such as pureed fruit, chocolate, or nut butter)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the flavor base and the additional 1/2 cup of milk. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the gelato to a lidded container and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve the gelato in bowls or cones and enjoy!
This recipe makes about 1 quart of gelato. You can adjust the recipe to make more or less, depending on your needs. You can also experiment with different flavors by using different types of pureed fruit or other flavor bases.
