Without a doubt, dessert is one of the meals that people look forward to most. Some of the most popular desserts include cookies, cake, and ice cream. When people think about ice cream, they often think about the perfect mixture of ice, cream, milk, and sugar. At the same time, there are lots of different ways that people can make ice cream. If you want to give your ice cream maker or blender a break and aren’t in the mood to make popsicles or snow cones, try using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream instead.
It is important to remember that liquid nitrogen is more than 320 degrees below zero, so you need to wear thick gloves when handling it. There are also extra hazards if liquid nitrogen comes into contact with wet skin. Make sure to take barrier precautions every time you use it.
Safety glasses are also a must when working with liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen has a tendency to fly and billow in plumes, and if liquid nitrogen can shatter wet skin, it can do just as much harm to your eyes.
Finally, make sure to keep liquid nitrogen under control at all times. Do not splash it when pouring it, and keep it covered when moving to help prevent splashing.
Acquiring the Liquid Nitrogen
With the precautions in place, it is time to start the mixing process. In general, one gallon of ice cream is going to require about five gallons of liquid nitrogen. Keep this ratio in mind.
Unfortunately, you can’t get liquid nitrogen from your local grocery store like you can with dry ice or household chemicals. You might have a local supplier that you could buy from, but sometimes it can be difficult to locate suppliers. If you aren’t sure where to get liquid nitrogen, try asking someone from the chemistry department at a local high school or college. They may be willing to share who they buy from.
Before you can get your liquid nitrogen, you need a special container to transport it called a dewar. The dewar insulates the liquid nitrogen and helps prevent it from evaporating before you use it. When transporting your liquid nitrogen home, be careful when packing it into your car. Make sure it can’t get knocked over or roll around to prevent damage to the dewar.
Making the Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
Now, with the precautions in place and the liquid nitrogen ready, it is time to start the mixing process. Combine the homemade ice cream ingredients in a large stainless steel bowl. You can use whatever recipe you want, including recipes with alternative ingredients or ones from specialty ice cream cookbooks. If you are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, you can also use a recipe that fits your dietary needs. The important thing is to mix the ingredients until the sugar has completely dissolved because that’s how you know it’s ready for the next step.
Next, add the liquid nitrogen using the proper safety precautions. Pour it slowly into the bowl and stir with the spoon until the mixture is frozen. This shouldn’t take any more than a few minutes.
Once the ice cream is frozen and the last of the liquid nitrogen has evaporated, it’s ready to be served. Don’t be afraid to grab an ice cream scoop and start dishing it out into homemade waffle cones and bowls and top with fresh whipped cream from a whipped cream dispenser. Then, watch the guests fall in love with the delicious texture and flavor of liquid nitrogen ice cream. If, by some miracle, you have any ice cream left, store it in an airtight ice cream container.
Try Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
This is a general overview of how people can use liquid nitrogen to make tasty ice cream. Like the classic ice cream flavors, feel free to experiment with different flavors, ingredients, and recipes to find your favorite combination. Once you get the hang of using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream, there’s no risk of ice cream ever being boring again.