Making Ice Cream in a Bag

Ice cream is said to have been introduced in England and America in the 1700s. From that time till today, ice cream has emerged as a favorite among people around the world. As its popularity increased, new flavors were added to this delicious dessert. Ice cream is something that would be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of a hot summer afternoon and why not? Ice cream has the ability to lift up one's mood on any day. However, making ice cream at home in an ice cream maker can seem to be an hassle for some. But, did you know that ice creams can be made in a plastic bag too. It is simple as well as can be made in a short period of time. Here is the process of preparing ice cream in a bag.

Things you Require

• ½ cup whipping cream
• ½ cup milk
• 16 ounces ice (crushed)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 gallon Ziploc bag
• 2 quart Ziploc bag (sandwich bag)
• ½ to ¾ cup rock salt

How to Make Ice cream in a Bag

• Take a quart Ziploc bag and add milk, vanilla, sugar and whipping cream. Seal the Ziploc bag tightly and put it in the other quart Ziploc bag and close this one too.
• In the big gallon Ziploc bag, take the crushed ice and add salt to it. Place the quart Ziploc bag containing all the ingredients of ice cream in it and seal this bag too.
• Take the Ziploc bag in your hands and shake it gently. Do not forget to wear gloves as the Ziploc bag would be very cold.
• This has to be done for at least 10-15 minutes or till the time ice cream is completely set. Remove the contents from the Ziploc, only if the ice cream has solidified. Scoop it in a bowl and enjoy the delicious ice cream.

You can also make chocolate ice cream in a bag, by just adding chocolate powder or syrup in the place of vanilla. Instead of using plastic bag, making ice cream in a coffee can would also be fun. Though the ingredients required for this is the same, you would need 2 coffee cans, one big and the other small. In the small can pour in the milk, sugar, vanilla and whipping cream. Close the can with a plastic lid and place it in the bigger can. Add crushed ice and salt in it and close the can as well. Roll the can on the floor for 15-20 minutes. Take the ice cream out of the can and enjoy with your family.

How does it work
When salt is added to ice, the temperature at which it melts decreases the freezing point of ice. This enables the milk and the other ingredients to turn into ice cream. Preparation of ice cream in a bag has also been included in many school activities for children. It is a good way of showing them the effect of salt on ice, where children can have fun as well as learn an important lesson in science.

So, the next time when your children cry out for ice cream, choose to make ice cream in a bag. Give a bag to each child and make the process enjoyable by actually letting them make their own ice cream.