Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

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## Instructions

### Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
1. In a medium bowl, toss the strawberries with ½ cup of the sugar and the lemon juice.
2. Let sit for 20–30 minutes to macerate.
3. Mash the berries slightly with a fork or use a blender for a smoother texture. Set aside.

### Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup sugar, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Stir in the strawberry mixture, making sure everything is well combined.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

### Step 3: Churn the Ice Cream
1. Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
2. The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency when finished.

### Step 4: Freeze and Serve
1. For a firmer texture, transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2–4 hours.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Enjoy!

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## Tips for the Best Strawberry Ice Cream

– **Use ripe, in-season strawberries** for maximum flavor. Local berries often have more sweetness and aroma.
– **Adjust the texture**: Blend the berries smooth for a uniform base or leave them chunky for bursts of fruit in each bite.
– **No ice cream maker?** Freeze the base in a shallow dish and stir every 30–45 minutes until set, about 3–4 hours.

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## Fun Variations

– **Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream**: Add chunks of cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs.
– **Strawberry-Basil Twist**: Infuse the cream with fresh basil leaves for a gourmet touch.
– **Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry**: Mix in mini chocolate chips or fudge swirls before freezing.

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## Final Scoop

Homemade strawberry ice cream is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. The process is simple, the ingredients are wholesome, and the results are pure joy in a bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or making it for a family gathering, this recipe brings a little extra sweetness to life.

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Would you like a kid-friendly version or a dairy-free variation included as well?