In our northern climate, strawberry season is finally here! This is our fourth year with the strawberry plants and they finally producing more than just a few berries here and there.
Last weekend I picked our first batch of red berries and filled half of the basket. Subsequently, I have been picking berries every couple of days.
To best use the berries (other than eating them fresh of course!) we decided to make our own strawberry ice cream. As a wedding gift years ago, we were given a
Donvier Ice Cream maker. We have used it in the past and it truly makes wonderful ice cream with ingredients that are normal and healthy (read: no artificial colourings, preservatives, etc) It is easy to use as the interior cylinder is kept in the freezer and taken out and placed into the outer casing when it is required. You assemble the turner, fill your ingredients and give a few turns every couple of minutes for about 20 minutes and at the end you have ice cream!
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| Donvier Ice Cream Maker |
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| Homemade strawberry ice cream in my vintage polish dessert bowls |
I also made homemade Strawberry Marguaritas with the Donvier. Sorry I forgot to take photos. They turned out okay, but next time I will make sure the puree the berries more, add a bit more sugar or other sweetener and more rum (I'm sure one can never go wrong with more rum!)
I've decided with the hot weather we are experiencing that I'm going to use the Donvier more this summer for making frozen yogurt, ice cream, and drinks. Guaranteed to be better than store bought.
Donviers can be purchased in two sizes I believe. I have the larger gallon size which I know costs around $100 in my area, but I have seen them in thrift stores for only a few dollars. If you're thinking of getting one, check to see if you can obtain one second hand as I would think most people only use the Donvier a few times and then get rid of it, like many other appliances that are not used every day.
