Inspired by the warmth and flavors of Ree Drummond’s recipes, bringing the joy of homemade ice cream to your kitchen is easier than ever, especially with a Pioneer Woman Ice Cream Maker. This delightful berry chip ice cream recipe, adapted from a beloved classic, will guide you through creating a creamy, dreamy dessert perfect for any occasion. It all started with a chance encounter with the Pioneer Woman herself.
Meeting the Pioneer Woman Inspiration
There’s something truly special about meeting someone who embodies the warmth and authenticity you perceive online. That’s exactly what it was like meeting Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. Visiting a local bookstore during one of her book signings felt like stepping into her welcoming kitchen. Despite the long lines that snaked through the store, reminiscent of summer amusement park queues, the wait was absolutely worth it. Ree was as genuine and approachable as she seems on her blog and television show. She took the time to chat with each person, creating a personal connection that left a lasting impression. Her genuine kindness and passion for food are truly inspiring.
Ree Drummond Pioneer Woman book signing at Books-A-Million, Virginia Beach, with My Danish Kitchen blogger
Inspired Berry Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Diving into Ree’s cookbook, “Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier,” it’s filled with recipes that are both comforting and bursting with flavor. Her Blackberry Chip Ice Cream recipe immediately caught my eye. With warmer days arriving, the idea of a refreshing homemade ice cream was irresistible. Inspired by her recipe, I decided to put my own spin on it, enhancing the berry notes and ensuring a perfect texture for churning in an ice cream maker – perhaps even a Pioneer Woman ice cream maker! This adapted recipe combines the sweetness of blackberries and raspberries with the richness of a custard base and the delightful crunch of chocolate chips.
Ingredients
For the Berries:
- 12 oz blackberries
- 4 oz raspberries
- ½ lemon, juice
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Custard:
- 1 ½ cup half and half
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, lightly chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Berry Base: In a saucepan, combine blackberries, raspberries, lemon juice, and ¼ cup sugar. Simmer over medium heat for about 25 minutes, or until the berries soften and release their juices, creating a syrupy mixture.
- Extract Berry Juice: Place the hot berry mixture in a strainer set over a bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press out all the juice, leaving behind the pulp and seeds. Set the flavorful berry juice aside and discard the solids.
- Create the Custard: In a separate saucepan, warm the half and half and 1 cup of sugar over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. While the milk mixture warms, whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl until they become thick and pale yellow.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: Gradually temper the egg yolks by slowly drizzling a thin stream of the warm half and half mixture into the yolks while continuously whisking. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining half and half. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Combine and Chill: Stir the heavy cream into the reserved berry juice. Then, gently fold in the cooked custard, ensuring everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and let it cool completely. This chilling process is crucial for achieving the right consistency for your ice cream maker.
Steps of making berry chip ice cream: simmering berries, straining juice, custard preparation, and final ice cream
- Churn in Your Ice Cream Maker: Once the berry custard mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your Pioneer Woman ice cream maker or any preferred ice cream maker. Freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add Chocolate Chips: In the last few minutes of the churning process, or right after the ice cream is churned but still soft, add the lightly chopped semi-sweet chocolate chips. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
- Freeze and Enjoy: Transfer the finished berry chip ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to firm up to a scoopable consistency. Then, scoop, serve, and savor the homemade delight!
Close-up of creamy berry chip ice cream in a bowl, ready to serve
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Ice Cream Maker Results
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process. A thoroughly chilled base is essential for creamy ice cream when using an ice cream maker. Ideally, chill the mixture for at least 4-6 hours or even overnight.
- Chocolate Chip Timing: Adding chocolate chips at the end of churning prevents them from sinking to the bottom and ensures they remain delightfully textured in each bite.
- Storage: Store your homemade berry chip ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn and maintain its fresh flavor.
- Experiment with Berries: Feel free to adjust the berry ratio or try other berry combinations like strawberries or blueberries for different flavor profiles.
Enjoy the process of creating this delicious berry chip ice cream in your own kitchen. With a Pioneer Woman ice cream maker and this simple yet flavorful recipe, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with a homemade frozen treat that’s bursting with berry goodness and a touch of chocolate indulgence.
Source: adapted from The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier
