Play ball and make ice cream—at the same time

One of the world's most popular desserts is ice cream. Even as the years speed by, we never seem to outgrow it. Perhaps because there are so many flavors to choose from, we always are able to find just exactly what we're looking for to satisfy our sweet tooth. With the advent of home ice cream makers, we're able to come up with our own concoctions and we're assured of the ingredients going in. When we make it fresh, we know that there are no artificial flavors or chemicals being added.

The drawback to most home machines is at they require forethought and preparation--usually the canister needs to be placed in the freezer for a few hours or overnight before use. Also, when you have kids who want to make their own ice cream, plugging it in and waiting isn't all that much fun. One thing that is entertaining, though, is the Original Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker ($29.95) from Industrial Revolution, Redmond, Wash. About the size of a soccer ball, this device can make about a pint of ice cream in around 20 minutes.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

It couldn't be simpler to use: you open one end of the sphere and put in ice cubes and rock salt, then pour the ingredients into the cylinder accessible from the other end. Finally, shake, roll, or pass the ball around in a circle until the mixture has hardened. That's all there is to it. The Play & Freeze comes with a recipe booklet loaded with instructions for many delicious combinations. It's amazing how few ingredients actually are needed. For basic vanilla, just add cream, vanilla, and sugar. For a quick variation, add chocolate chips or strawberry jam.

If you'd like a lighter treat, you can substitute half-and-half, milk, or even reduced fat milk--but be prepared to shake a little longer. The ball also makes frozen yogurt, fruit sorbets, or slushies.

The best part is that it doesn't require electricity. It can be used on picnics, during backyard barbecues, or anyplace friends and families gather. For more information, visit www.icecreamrevolution.com.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning