Homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream {A Refreshing Summer Favorite}

The heat is turned up high this July and we all need to do our best to cool down! My favorite summertime relief is a nice bowl of ice cream. I love all ice cream flavors, but I do have a few favorites, Cherry Vanilla being one of them.

As I was munching on a bowl of fresh cherries the other night, I suddenly had the urge to make some of that Cherry Vanilla ice cream that I love so much. If you like cherries and the sweet taste of almonds, then you will really enjoy this recipe for Homemade Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Milk
• 2 Cups of Heavy Cream or Half and Half
• 3/4 Cup of White Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of Almond Extract
• 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract
• 1½ To 2 Cups of Fresh Cherries Pitted and Quartered (tip: line a straw up in between the center of each cherry and push through. The pit should pop right out.)

Directions:

1. Combine the milk, cream/half and half, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add in the vanilla and almond extract and stir.
3. Pour quartered cherries into the mixture.
4. Optional Step: I like to leave my mixture in the fridge for about two hours to chill, prior to adding it into the ice cream maker. 
5. Pour the entire mixture into your ice cream maker (for best results, make sure your ice cream maker container/bowl is frozen beforehand) and churn for about twenty-five (25) minutes.
6. Once the churning is complete; you should transfer the mixture to a container that is well sealed and freeze for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

  

Note: The almond extract really compliments the cherry flavor, but if you prefer less of an almond taste, you may revise the required amount to only a ½ teaspoon instead of a full one.