Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream

Last night, my older son asked if we could make some homemade ice cream in our Cuisinart ice cream maker.  I asked him what flavor he'd enjoy and he said "cherry.  and watermelon."  So tonight I made cherry vanilla ice cream.  I'll make the watermelon ice cream in a few days, once I've mulled my approach.

Ingredients (not as high fat as your typical ice cream since I don't usually have heavy cream in my fridge)

• 2-1/2 cups 1% milk
• 1-1/8 cups (plus 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
• 2 cups half & half
• 1-1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup thawed, pitted, quartered cherries (I bought the organic frozen variety since they aren't in season for us)

Instructions

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the milk and granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved.  Add the half & half and vanilla.
• Sautee the cherries with 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft.
• Drain and combine cherries with the contents of the mixing bowl.
  Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes. 
• The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving. (I froze ours)

Seriously delicious!