Raspberry White Chocolate Chunk Ice cream

I swear that summer flies by every year.  It feels like there are endless summer weekends and nights in late June and then I blink and we're creeping into August and starting to review the back to school supply lists. This summer, we're enjoying the ocean here and there, the break in the kiddos' extra-curricular activities and the slower pace that the break brings AND we're gearing up for the arrival of #3, due in late September.  It's starting to sink in that his (yep- it's a he) arrival is quickly approaching.  His older sisters are enjoying their new bunk beds for the most part...with a few expected, sisterly arguments sprinkled in here and there, but his nursery is no where near ready. I need to buckle down and just do it. 

The combination of high temperatures and my third trimester make this week's recipe extra appropriate.  Raspberry season has been in full swing here in New England and I was graciously given a bunch of raspberries from a friend's garden so it was time to break out the ice cream maker.  If you don't own an ice cream maker and have been on the fence about getting one, I recommend this Cuisinart model. I purchased it a few years ago with an amazon gift certificate I got for my birthday and it's pretty awesome...and dangerous.  There could be no ice cream in the house and then 20 minutes later there is fresh ice cream in the house without going anywhere.  Dangerous. I could eliminate that issue by not always storing the ice cream container in the deep freezer so that it's ready to go on a moment's notice, but I just don't do that.

I used a bar of Lindt White Chocolate for the chocolate chunks in this recipe, but you can substitute your preferred chocolate chips, chocolate bar or dark chocolate would be a nice combination. Get out your blender and ice cream maker and let's dig into summer!

Raspberry White Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Ingredients
-2 cups whole milk
-1 1/2 cups cream
-2 cups raspberries
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1 1/2 cup raspberries (you can use more if you like)
-1 white chocolate bar or your choice of chocolate chips, chunks etc.

Directions
If using a similar ice cream maker to the one I use referenced above, you need to make sure that the ice cream container has been in the freezer for several hours before you make the recipe.  In a blender, combine the milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and 1 cup of raspberries.  Reserve the additional 1/2 cup of raspberries to add to the ice cream later. Blend together. Set up the ice cream maker.  Pour the ice cream mixture into the ice cream container and turn on the machine to begin to churn. You will want to churn the ice cream for 15-20 minutes.  

While the ice cream is churning, chop your chocolate. Once the ice cream is at the consistency of a very soft, soft serve ice cream (usually in 10-15 minutes), pour the chopped chocolate and additional raspberries into the ice cream maker and allow to churn with the ice cream for the last 5-7 minutes. You can stop the ice cream machine once the consistency is that of a thick, soft serve ice cream and can serve immediately, or if you prefer a thicker ice cream then pour the ice cream into a freezer safe dish, cover and place in the freezer for an additional hour or so and then enjoy.  Ice cream can be recovered and stored in the freezer, but keep in mind that you will need to allow to thaw a little bit before serving each time as there are no artificial softeners in the recipe.

Enjoy your summer and send me any tips to get this nursery done!