Goat’s Milk Ice Cream





ice cream making in the donvier

ice cream making in the Donvier

A favorite treat to make on our farm is goat’s milk ice cream made with custard and the Donvier. The creaminess of goat milk makes it a delicious choice.

The butterfat content of goat’s milk is 4.2%. It is naturally homogenized so the cream does not rise up to the top like cow’s milk which is 3.8% butterfat.

Because it is easily digested, it is a good food for kids and people who have a hard time digesting cow milk.

Whenever I think, I could live without my goats, I remember that goat’s milk is my prefered ice cream and Feta and Chevre are my favorite cheeses. The intense flavor and sweetness of goat milk makes for some delicious recipes that can’t be made with cow milk.

donvier1

The Donvier

Living off-the-grid, we sometimes have to come up with alternative ways of doing things that don’t involve a lot of electricity. I discovered this ice cream maker called the Donvier that has an insert that you must freeze ahead of time and a hand-crank. It involves no salt or electricity to churn (except for the freezing of the insert).

To make goat’s milk ice cream you will need:

  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 cups of goat’s milk
  • fruit puree or fresh fruit
  • vanilla bean

Mix half the sugar with the milk in a pot and scald (bring almost to boiling or 180 degrees F) over medium heat. Stir the milk as it heats.

eggribbon

Eggs make ribbons

In a separate bowl whisk the 3 eggs and the remaining sugar until the mixture is light yellow and makes ribbons as you lift the whisk up out of the bowl.

Temper (increase temperature of the eggs gradually to that of the milk) the eggs and sugar mixture by slowly adding a small amount of milk to the eggs while whisking very fast. You do this so the eggs wont cook and look like scrambled eggs.

Return the milk and egg mixture to the stove top over low heat. Cook this (don’t boil) until it reaches the nappe stage (a thin even layer coating the back of a wooden spoon).  When you can run your finger across the back of the spoon and the layer will not drip the mixture is done. You will also notice the mixture has gotten thicker.
nappe stage

Nappe

At this point you can add your flavorings. A good choice is fresh vanilla seeds and some fresh fruit. In the photos we added vanilla and fresh mulberries which we crushed a little with a potato masher. I have also made a fruit puree and heated it before adding to the custard.

You should have about a quart of custard. Place into a quart jar and refrigerate until ready to use. When using a Donvier it is a good idea to already have a cold mixture to speed up the process of the ice cream. Remove the cylinder from the freezer and give it a good shake to make sure the liquid inside is frozen solid. Place the cylinder into the Donvier and add the custard. Start turning the handle of the Donvier every 3 minutes until it freezes and is ready to eat.
This recipe is sure to please. Make it ahead of time or right after dinner. The kids love to help in the churning process. Enjoy!
custard

Custard with berries before mashing

custard2

custard ready to go into refrigerator

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