Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Strawberries**:
– Start by **macerating the strawberries**. Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with **2 tablespoons of sugar**. Stir to combine, and let them sit for about 15–20 minutes. The sugar will draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a syrupy mixture that will intensify the flavor of the fruit. If you like a tangier flavor, you can add a splash of **lemon juice**.
– After the strawberries have released their juices, use a fork or potato masher to **lightly mash** the strawberries. If you prefer a smoother ice cream, you can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer consistency.

#### 2. **Make the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Base**:
– In a medium saucepan, combine the **heavy cream**, **whole milk**, and **granulated sugar**. Whisk them together over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warmed through. Be careful not to bring it to a boil.
– Split the **vanilla bean** lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife. Add both the **seeds** and the **bean pod** to the cream mixture. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can substitute with **vanilla extract**. Allow the mixture to warm for 5–10 minutes so that the vanilla infuses into the cream.
– Once the mixture is infused with the vanilla flavor, remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the vanilla bean pod. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and stir to combine.

#### 3. **Chill the Base**:
– Transfer the vanilla bean cream mixture to a bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least **2 hours**, or ideally overnight. Chilling helps the flavors develop and ensures that the ice cream base is cold before churning, resulting in a smoother texture.

#### 4. **Combine the Strawberry Puree and Vanilla Base**:
– After chilling the base, take it out of the fridge. Stir in the **macerated strawberries** (along with any syrupy juice) into the chilled vanilla base. You can mix the strawberries thoroughly, or leave some chunks for a more textured ice cream.

#### 5. **Churn the Ice Cream**:
– Pour the mixture into your **ice cream maker** and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this process takes about **20–25 minutes** depending on your machine.
– The ice cream should thicken and become a soft, scoopable consistency as it churns. If you prefer a firmer ice cream, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2–3 hours.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Once the ice cream is fully frozen and firm, it’s ready to be served! Scoop the creamy strawberry vanilla ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the rich, sweet flavor of summer in every bite.

### Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

1. **Fresh and Flavorful**: Using fresh strawberries means you’re getting the best, most natural flavor in every bite. The combination of the sweet, tangy strawberries with the smooth, fragrant vanilla bean creates a well-balanced and refreshing ice cream that’s perfect for warm weather.

2. **Made from Scratch**: There’s something truly special about homemade ice cream. By making it yourself, you have full control over the ingredients and can ensure the quality and freshness of your treat. Plus, making ice cream at home can be a fun and rewarding experience!

3. **Customizable**: While this recipe calls for fresh strawberries, you can also swap them for other fruits, like **blueberries**, **mangoes**, or **peaches**, to create different flavor variations. You can also experiment with adding mix-ins like **chocolate chips**, **crushed nuts**, or **swirls of fudge**.

4. **Perfect for Special Occasions**: Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or a casual weeknight dessert, this strawberry vanilla bean ice cream is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its beautiful pink color and delicious flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

### Tips for the Best Homemade Ice Cream:

– **Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries**: The quality of the strawberries directly affects the flavor of the ice cream. Make sure to choose fresh, in-season strawberries for the best results. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen berries, but fresh is always best.

– **Don’t Skip the Chilling Step**: Make sure the ice cream base is well-chilled before you churn it. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and results in a creamier texture.

– **Experiment with Sweeteners**: If you prefer a less sugary option, you can try using natural sweeteners like **honey**, **maple syrup**, or **agave nectar** instead of granulated sugar for a unique twist.

– **Store Properly**: Homemade ice cream can become icy if not stored properly. Be sure to keep it in an **airtight container** in the freezer to prevent ice crystals from forming. For best results, consume it within a couple of weeks.

### Conclusion: A Classic Summer Dessert

**Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream** is a timeless treat that offers the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and fruity freshness. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy on a sunny day, this ice cream is sure to hit the spot. It’s a beautiful, homemade dessert that brings the sweetness of summer right to your bowl.

So, grab your ice cream maker, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of this refreshing, indulgent homemade ice cream—you’ll be glad you did!