How to Make Homemade Ice-Cream in a Can
A Fun Summer Activity Using Kid’s Energy and Recycled Coffee Cans
May 17, 2009
Who wouldn’t want to exercise with a fifteen minute round of kick the can if cold, delicious ice-cream was the reward? On the hottest summer days, kids can even make the frozen treat indoors. And, parents who need to keep a group of rambunctious children busy at a birthday party can put them to work making their own favorite flavor of ice-cream.
Materials to Make Homemade Ice-Cream
To make homemade ice-cream, parents will need to round up:
- 2 coffee cans with resealable lids, one large can and one small.
- 5 cups ice
- 1 cup rock salt
- 1 pint half and half
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- Instant pudding mix or frozen fruit (optional)
Homemade Ice-Cream Instructions
Parents will want to wash the coffee cans thoroughly and then fill the smaller can with the half and half, sugar, and vanilla. Kids can get creative by flavoring the ice-cream with frozen fruit or a few tablespoons of their favorite pudding mix. Some great ideas for optional ingredients might be chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, M&M candies, peanut butter, blueberries, chopped strawberries, and crushed candy bars.
Kids can then stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and close the can. Parents will probably want to seal the lid with duct tape for added security.
Now, kids can place the small can inside the larger can and surround it with ice and rock salt. Once parents seal the lid on the larger can, kids are ready to make some ice-cream.
Kids will need to keep that can moving, but with all their energy, this shouldn’t be a problem. They can roll, kick, or shake their ice-cream maker to keep the recipe swirling.
Parents can set a timer for 15-20 minutes, grab a book and relax. When the timer goes off, kids can open the cans to check the ice-cream’s texture.
Parents or kids will need to stir the coldest ice cream on the sides together with that in the middle. If the concoction needs a little more firming up, kids can add a new batch of ice and salt and try ten minutes more.
At long last, it’s time for kids to enjoy the fruits of their labor. If they can stand it, they might want to reseal a portion in the coffee can and save it in the freezer to surprise dad.
This summer-time activity never gets old as kids experiment with new flavors. And with any luck, moms will be rewarded with both fifteen minutes of “mommy time” and a yummy treat.
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