Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shake-and-Make Ice Cream?
Shake-and-Make Ice Cream is a fun, interactive homemade treat where you freeze milk and sugar inside a Ziploc bag by shaking it with ice and salt.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 1 individual serving.
What equipment is needed for this activity?
You will need one sandwich-sized Ziploc bag and one gallon-sized Ziploc bag.
Can I use regular table salt instead of rock salt?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of rock salt or standard table salt for this recipe.
How long do I need to shake the ice cream?
You should shake and roll the bag for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to achieve the right consistency.
Why do I need to add salt to the ice?
Salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, which allows the milk mixture to freeze into ice cream more effectively.
What type of milk works best?
You can use regular milk or half-and-half cream. Half-and-half will result in a creamier texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this ice cream contains approximately 130 calories.
Can I use a different flavor instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can substitute the vanilla extract with other flavors like almond, peppermint, or strawberry.
Is this a good activity for children?
Absolutely! It is an interactive, educational, and delicious activity perfect for kids and families.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar, totaling about 14g per serving.
Should I do this activity inside or outside?
It is recommended to do this activity outside because the melting ice and salt mixture can cause some leakage.
What if my ice cream isn't thickening?
Ensure you have enough salt in the ice and continue shaking for the full 20 minutes; persistence is key to the freezing process.
How much ice is required?
You should fill the gallon-sized Ziploc bag about 3/4 full with ice cubes.
Do I need to remove air from the bags?
Yes, you should press as much air as possible out of the sandwich-sized bag before sealing it tightly.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
Yes, one serving contains about 5g of fat.
Is there any fiber in this ice cream?
No, this recipe contains 0g of fiber.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 3g of protein in one serving of this ice cream.
What is the sodium content?
The ice cream mixture itself contains about 100mg of sodium.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Yes, you can add small mix-ins to the inner bag before shaking, though adding them after freezing is often easier.
What should the consistency look like?
The final result should be thick and creamy, similar to soft-serve ice cream.
Is there cholesterol in this recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 20mg of cholesterol per serving.
How much vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I store leftovers in the freezer?
While you can, this ice cream is best enjoyed immediately as it may become very hard if stored in a standard freezer.
How do I keep salt out of my ice cream?
Carefully open the bags and wipe the top of the small bag before opening to ensure no salt water drips inside.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates in one serving.
Is this a no-churn recipe?
Yes, this is a no-churn method that uses manual shaking instead of an ice cream maker.
What is the primary educational benefit?
It teaches kids basic chemistry, specifically how salt affects the freezing temperature of ice.
Can I use heavy cream?
Yes, using heavy cream will make the ice cream even richer, though it will increase the fat content.
Is it hard to shake the bag for 20 minutes?
It can be a bit tiring for one person, so it is fun to take turns with family members or friends!