Homemade Handmade Cultured Ice Cream

Is it possible to make a delicious AND healthy ice cream without processed sugar or eggs AND by hand without an ice cream machine? Yes!
The simplicity of this recipe will amaze you, and the great thing is that you can do this without an ice cream machine. You could whip the cream with a stand mixer, but it’s actually good exercise for your arms to do this by hand.
Plus there’s a very unique ingredient; pickle brine! You are probably wondering about the addition of pickle brine??!!
Well, adding in this fermented ingredient adds a balanced flavor and probiotics to the ice cream. The little hit of salt from the brine doesn’t make the ice cream salty, but does give it a nice balance to the creaminess and sweetness.
Here’s a recipe to make Perfect Pickles if you are interested.

Ingredients:
12 fl. oz. heavy whipping cream
(I used Alexandre Family Farm brand which has higher fat content and from pasture-raised cows)
1 Tablespoon fermented pickle brine
(This adds in just the right dash of salt and live-cultures. You can also add brine from sauerkraut instead, or whey. OR you can omit.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup date sugar crystals
Topping suggestions:
Chocolate Creamed Honey
Cookie crumbs

Equipment:
large stainless steel or glass bowl
whisk
sturdy glass jar that can be placed in the freezer without cracking
(I used Le Parfait’s wide-mouth/terrine jar as these jars are really durable and will not crack in the freezer.)

Directions:
1. Pour the cream into the bowl. (It helps to chill the bowl for about 10 minutes in the fridge before hand.)

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients.

3. Grab the whisk and whisk away until the cream mixture can hold soft peaks.
DO NOT over whip.

4. Spoon the whipped cream into jar, and cover with a lid. Gently tap the jar to settle the cream.

5. Place in the freezer for about 3 - 4 hours.

6. Before serving, remove from the freezer and allow the ice cream to soften a bit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easy scooping.

7. Top with a natural syrup such as honey, maple syrup, or even molasses would be wonderful!