Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Food for Thought: Can you guess the secret ingredient? Spoiler alert, it's cornstarch! A versatile product that produces a custard-like quality without the use of heavy cream or eggs. 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 quart) whole milk
• ¾ cups white sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

 
Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, add 3 ½ cups of the whole milk and all the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring often so that it does not burn.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the remaining milk and cornstarch until completely dissolved.
3. Once the milk/sugar begins to steam and bubble slightly, add the cornstarch mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for another minute on medium, stirring often.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture is slightly thick/creamy. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture into a bowl and press plastic wrap directly on surface of liquid to prevent a skin from forming. Place in refrigerator over night to chill.
6. The next day, pour mixture in ice cream maker and churn for 15 – 20 minutes until thick and creamy.
7. If using add-in (Oreos, cookie dough, chocolate chips, etc.), add during the last minute of churning.
8. Freeze, scoop and enjoy! 

*Note: Adapted from Mark Bittman