As a Texas native, I can appreciate the delicious simplicity of vanilla ice cream. Not only did I grow up with (in my opinion) the creme de la creme of sweet treats – Blue Bell’s Homemade Vanilla – but nothing makes you appreciate a cool dessert like sweltering heat. It’s no surprise that July is both National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month – Independence Day wouldn’t be the same without either – but today is specifically reserved for ice cream of a certain simple flavor. Reconnect with good ’ol uncomplicated vanilla in honor of National Vanilla Ice Cream Day and try your hand at homemade ice cream.

If the thought of hand-creating the dairy treat brings you nightmares of old-fashioned churning and pinches of salt mixed with a healthy dose of patience, never fear: making your own ice cream has become as easy as 1-2-3. Give this simple freezer bag recipe a try and enjoy the taste of summer.

You will need:
2 zipper freezer bags
1 cup cream
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
ice
1/2 cup salt

In one bag, mix the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla, then seal. In the other bag, add enough ice to fill the bag halfway. Add 1/2 cup of salt over the ice. Place the sealed cream mixture bag on top of the ice and salt and seal the bag. Knead and shake the bag for about 5 minutes until the mixture in the inner bag has thickened. Remove the inner bag (now containing ice cream) and enjoy!

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 27-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her “real, adult-sized kitchen.”