*Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream*

-Ingredients:

3 cups fresh ripe strawberries, stemmed and sliced

4 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1.5 cups sugar, divided

1.5 cups whole milk

2 3/4 cups heavy cream

1.5 tsp. pure vanilla extract

-Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the strawberries with the lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir gently and allow the strawberries to macerate in the juices for 2 hours. Strain the berries, reserving the juices. Mash or puree half of the berries.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and remaining granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, reserved strawberry juice, mashed strawberries and vanilla. Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into a freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 20-25 minutes.

3. Five min. before mixing is completed, add the reserved sliced strawberries and let mix in completely. 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 min. before serving.