Frozen Treats Week #1: Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Last summer was the Summer of the Popsicle. We enjoyed all kinds of homemade popsicles last summer, most of them fruit-based.  This year, we simply couldn't commit to making only popsicles.  We decided on frozen treats so that we could include another one of our favorites: ice cream.   So, just for the next 6 weeks or so, we are going to be having a weekly celebration of frozen treats.

We've been making this strawberry cheesecake ice cream for years and I can't believe it's never made it's way onto my blog.  Much to my surprise, this is probably my family's favorite recipe for ice cream.  Most of the time we are going for chocolate ice cream, or other variations of chocolate, but this strawberry cheesecake ice cream is so thick, creamy, and luscious....it's just amazing! Give those pesky custard-based ice creams a break and try this easy recipe containing cream cheese.  I bet you'll love it too!

 Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Adapted from Food.com

Serves 4

  8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup fresh pureed strawberry

1 cup half and half or cream

 

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Chill ingredients for about 1 hour, or until cold.Turn on ice cream machine and set it to chill the freezing/mixing bowl for 5 minutes.Spoon the cooled mixture into the freezing/mixing bowl of machine. Set the freezing timer to the 30 minute maximum setting. Push start button.

Notes/Results:  We love this thick, fruity, extremely creamy ice cream with a passion.  It's very rich and dreamy and you really only need one scoop to satisfy your cravings.  Not to mention, this recipe is almost too easy.  A quick blend of 6 ingredients and a quick chill in the fridge and you're ready to make ice cream. A real favorite that the whole family enjoys!