National Soft Ice Cream Day

Last month (July) was National Ice Cream Month and I shared several recipes for making your own delicious ice cream at home. I've been making ice cream for my family - so far their favorite is my coffee ice cream and next weekend I'm trying a new recipe for Peanut Butter Ice Cream - which I will share with you since today is National Soft Ice Cream Day. I have found when I make homemade ice cream, it is very similar to a soft-serve ice cream - and since I prefer it soft, I'm quite happy about this!

National Soft Ice Cream Day is celebrated every year on August 19. It is a summer food holiday dedicated to eating soft-serve ice cream in cones, cups, or sundaes. 

History of Soft Ice Cream

In 1934, a truck driver named Tom Carvel got a flat tire on his ice cream truck in Hartsdale, New York.
He pulled into a parking lot and began selling his melting ice cream to passing drivers.
The soft treat became a huge hit, inspiring him to open the first permanent soft-serve store.

How to Celebrate

Visit a local ice cream shop, or a classic spot like Carvel or Dairy Queen.
Try a fun topping like sprinkles, hot fudge, or dipped chocolate shells.
Share your favorite swirled cone photo online using the tag #NationalSoftIceCreamDay

To make peanut butter ice cream, whisk together 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 2/3 cup sugar, 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, and 1.5 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Chill for 2 hours, then churn in your frozen KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker on low speed for 20 to 25 minutes. 

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural/oily style)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk (cold)
2 cups heavy cream (cold)
1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt (optional) 

Instructions

Mix the base: Whisk peanut butter and sugar together until smooth. 
Add liquids: Pour in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is completely smooth. 
Chill: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours until very cold. 
Set up machine: Make sure your KitchenAid ice cream bowl has been frozen for at least 24 hours. Attach the assembly to your KitchenAid Stand Mixer. 
Churn: Turn the mixer to a low speed (stir/1-3) before pouring the liquid in. Pour the cold mix slowly into the spinning bowl.
Finish: Let it churn for 20 to 25 minutes until it looks like soft-serve ice cream. Eat right away or freeze in a box for 2 to 4 hours to make it hard.

Enjoy!