Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream
Capture the nostalgic essence of summers in Northern Michigan with this beloved treat. Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream mirrors the iconic Blue Moon flavor, reminiscent of childhood memories at Kilwins. This recipe features no pineapple or alcohol, offering a creamy, vibrantly colored scoop complete with subtle raspberry and lemon undertones. Enjoy the same refreshing delight that has enchanted families for generations, now in your own kitchen.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk
1/2 cup (scalded)
Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Half-and-half
1/2 cup (none)
Vanilla extract or vanilla oil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups (none)
Blue food coloring
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Vanilla pudding mix
3 teaspoons (none)
Raspberry flavored oil or frozen raspberries, pureed
1 teaspoon or 1 cup (optional: pureed if using raspberries)
Lemon flavored oil or lemon extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, scald 1/2 cup of milk over medium heat. Make sure to bring the milk just below boiling point without boiling.
2
Reduce heat to low and add the sugar and salt, stirring continuously until the ingredients are completely dissolved.
3
Gently stir in the half-and-half until well combined.
4
Add the heavy whipping cream, ensuring the mixture is homogeneous.
5
Introduce the vanilla extract or oil, raspberry flavored oil (or pureed raspberries), and lemon flavored oil or extract to infuse the mixture with flavor.
6
Slowly mix in the blue food coloring until the desired hue is achieved, ensuring even distribution for a consistent color throughout.
7
Incorporate the vanilla pudding mix to add thickness and depth to the texture.
8
Once all ingredients are combined, transfer the mixture into a container and chill in the refrigerator until it is very cold. This can take up to 2 hours.
9
Once cold, pour the mixture into your ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a creamy consistency.
10
Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours to ensure proper firmness before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream?
Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream is a vibrantly colored, creamy frozen treat that mirrors the iconic Blue Moon flavor found in Northern Michigan.
What does Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream taste like?
This ice cream features a unique and refreshing flavor profile with subtle raspberry and lemon undertones.
Is there pineapple in this Blue Sky ice cream recipe?
No, this specific recipe is crafted without pineapple to focus on the raspberry and lemon essence.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
No, this is a non-alcoholic recipe, making it a family-friendly dessert for all ages.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What gives the ice cream its signature blue color?
The vibrant hue is achieved by adding approximately 1/8 teaspoon of blue food coloring to the mixture.
Can I use real raspberries instead of raspberry oil?
Yes, you can substitute the raspberry oil with 1 cup of pureed frozen raspberries.
Why is vanilla pudding mix used in this recipe?
Vanilla pudding mix is incorporated to add thickness and depth to the texture of the ice cream.
Do I need an ice cream machine for this recipe?
Yes, after chilling the base, you need to pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How long does the ice cream base need to chill before churning?
The mixture should be chilled in the refrigerator until it is very cold, which typically takes up to 2 hours.
How long should the ice cream freeze after churning?
You should freeze the churned ice cream in a freezer-safe container for at least 2 hours to ensure proper firmness.
What is the first step in making Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream?
The process begins by scalding 1/2 cup of milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
What is the importance of scalding the milk?
Scalding the milk helps in dissolving the sugar and salt effectively before adding the colder dairy components.
Can I use lemon extract if I do not have lemon oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1 teaspoon of lemon flavored oil or 1 teaspoon of lemon extract.
What types of dairy are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a combination of milk, half-and-half, and heavy whipping cream.
Is this recipe similar to Kilwins Blue Moon ice cream?
Yes, it is designed to be reminiscent of the iconic Blue Moon flavor enjoyed at locations like Kilwins in Northern Michigan.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar to be dissolved into the scalded milk.
Should I boil the milk during the scalding process?
No, you should bring the milk just below the boiling point without letting it actually boil.
What kind of vanilla should I use?
You can use either 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla oil for this recipe.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness of the ice cream.
What is the preparation for the milk?
The milk should be scalded before other ingredients are added.
Is Northern Blue Sky Ice Cream a summer dessert?
Yes, it is described as a beloved summer treat that captures the essence of Michigan summers.
How much heavy whipping cream is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
What category of food is this?
This is a frozen dessert, specifically a homemade ice cream.
How do I ensure the color is consistent?
Slowly mix in the food coloring until the desired hue is achieved, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of half-and-half to maintain its specific creamy consistency.
How much pudding mix is needed?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of vanilla pudding mix.
What type of container should I use for freezing?
A freezer-safe container should be used to store and firm up the ice cream.
Is this recipe considered a nostalgic treat?
Yes, it is intended to evoke childhood memories of summer vacations and local ice cream shops.
What flavor oils are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using raspberry and lemon flavored oils to achieve the best flavor profile.