Indulge in a homemade ice cream that rivals premium brands for richness and flavor.

Old Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

2 1/2 cups half-and-half, light cream, or whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (4 to 6-inch) vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract*
1 1/4 cups whipping cream

1. In a large saucepan heat and stir half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla bean (if using) just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Remove vanilla bean; let cool. Using a paring knife, slit vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape out seeds. Stir seeds (or vanilla extract, if using) and whipping cream into milk mixture. Cover; chill about 4 hours.
2. Freeze mixture in ice-cream freezer according to manufacturer's directions. Ripen 4 hours.

Makes 1 1/2 quarts (twelve, 1/2 cup servings).

*Note: Omit heating the mixture if using vanilla extract.

Nutritional facts per serving: calories: 205, total fat: 15g, saturated fat: 9g, cholesterol: 54mg, sodium: 30mg, carbohydrate: 16g, fiber: 0g, protein: 2g, vitamin A: 16%, vitamin C: 0%, calcium: 5%, iron: 0%

Recipe provided by Better Homes and Gardens - BHG.com a member of the Home and Family Network for the best of cooking, gardening, decorating and more. © 2003 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.