Creamy-Good Strawberry Gelato

I was thinking I would like to make something very different for the Water Instructable. What could I make that uses water….or ice? Ice, of course, is frozen water. Summer is a great time to make and enjoy ice cream and my ice cream maker uses regular ice cubes plus cold water!

When I was in Italy with friends a few years ago, we ate gelato several times. I especially enjoyed the strawberry gelato. It was such a flavorful treat and so satisfying on a hot summer day! Here I will show you how you can make it at home using a pound of fresh strawberries! The recipe also has cold water in it! Perfecto!!!

Ingredients

1 pound fresh strawberries (cold)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup granulated sugar 

2 2/3 cup cold water, divided

1/4 cup nonfat dry milk

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

10 drops red food coloring

4 trays ice cubes

1 (26-ounce) container salt

Tools

cutting board

sharp knife

strainer

paper towels

silicone spatula

small bowl

whisk

large mixing bowl

high speed blender or food processor

ice cream maker

covered 1/2 gallon container

ice cream scoop

Place the empty ice cream container from your ice cream maker into in your freezer while you make the gelato. This will keep the finished gelato mixture from melting when you add it.

Rinse the strawberries under cold water and pat dry. Remove the stems and leaves from the strawberries.

Place the strawberries, lemon juice and the sugar in a high speed blender; process until liquefied.

Add 2/3 cup water and dry milk. Blend until the mixture is smooth.

In a small bowl, whip the cream with a whisk until it begins to thicken slightly and becomes the consistency of buttermilk.

Place the strawberry mixture and 10 drops red food coloring in a large bowl. Add the cream; stir to mix thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions. I am giving instructions for the one that I own.

Remove the empty frozen ice cream container from your freezer and place in the ice cream maker. Pour the gelato mixture into the frosty ice cream maker container. With the motor running, add 1 cup water into the bucket. Follow with the ice from 1 ice cube tray all around the container.

Add 1/4 of the package of salt all around and over the ice. Lock the top into place. Continue layering ice and salt until you reach the fill line near the top of the ice cream maker. Pour one cup of water over top. This wets down the ice and salt.

Allow the gelato to process for about 40 minutes, or until it becomes very thick. Spoon the finished gelato into a freezer safe container. Tap on the counter to even out the mixture. Cover and place in your freezer. Allow to fully freeze for at least 2 to 3 hours.

When ready to serve, it should be firm and ready to scoop!

Now scoop out your deliciously refreshing strawberry gelato into a pretty serving dish! You will be amazed at the cold and fruity deliciousness!!!