Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream Recipe - Made with Peaches, Sugar, Lemon, Eggs, Cream, and Milk from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with its fresh, juicy peaches and creamy texture. This recipe is perfect for those warm days when you crave something sweet, yet refreshing. Made with simple, natural ingredients, this ice cream is a testament to the joy of homemade desserts and the unparalleled taste of fresh, ripe peaches.

History

The recipe for Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream finds its roots in the traditional methods of ice cream making, combined with the founders' innovative approach to flavor creation. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the founders of Ben & Jerry's, have always emphasized the use of high-quality, natural ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The introduction of fresh Georgia peaches into their ice cream recipe pays homage to the rich agricultural heritage of Georgia, known for its exceptional peaches, and showcases the founders' commitment to celebrating local produce.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh, ripe, very small peaches, finely chopped
1.25 cups granulated sugar
juice of 0.5 lemon
2 large eggs
2 cups heavy or whipping cream
1 cup milk

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the peaches, 0.5 cup of sugar, and lemon juice.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes.
Remove the peaches from the refrigerator and drain the juice into another bowl.
Return the peaches to the refrigerator.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they become light and fluffy, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the remaining 0.75 cup of sugar, ensuring it is completely blended, which should take about 1 minute.
Pour in the cream and milk, and whisk until well blended.
Add the peach juice and continue to blend.
Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.
When the ice cream starts to stiffen (approximately 2 minutes before it is done), add the peaches and continue freezing until the ice cream reaches the desired consistency.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding a splash of bourbon or peach schnapps to the peach mixture for an adult version. Alternatively, mix in some chopped pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture for your Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream, consider the following tips and tricks:

- Use only the ripest peaches for a naturally sweet and intense flavor.

- Finely chopping the peaches will allow them to distribute more evenly throughout the ice cream.

- Allowing the peaches to macerate with sugar and lemon juice not only flavors the fruit but also draws out their natural juices, enhancing the overall taste of the ice cream.

- When whisking the eggs and sugar, ensure they reach a light and fluffy consistency for a smooth ice cream base.

- Chill the ice cream mixture thoroughly before churning to speed up the freezing process and improve texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this ice cream in a chilled bowl or cone. Garnish with fresh peach slices or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance. For a more decadent dessert, drizzle with a peach-flavored syrup or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in making this ice cream is the proper maceration of the peaches and the thorough blending of the ice cream base. Using an ice cream maker is essential for achieving the smooth, creamy texture characteristic of Ben & Jerry's ice creams.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh Georgia peaches are not available, you can substitute them with frozen peaches (thawed and drained) or canned peaches in natural juice (drained). For a lower-fat version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and light cream.

Make Ahead Tips

The peach mixture and the ice cream base can be prepared and refrigerated up to a day in advance. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, resulting in a richer-tasting ice cream.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this ice cream in a hollowed-out peach half for a natural and visually appealing presentation. Alternatively, layer the ice cream with peach compote in a glass for a beautiful parfait.

Pairing Recommendations

This ice cream pairs wonderfully with light, fruity desserts such as angel food cake or peach cobbler. For a beverage pairing, consider a sweet Riesling or a peach iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. There is no need to reheat, but if the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream contains approximately 250 calories. The calories are derived from the combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the ingredients.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the natural sugars in the peaches and the added granulated sugar, which provides the ice cream's sweetness.

Fats

This ice cream is rich in fats, with a serving containing about 18 grams of fat. The fats primarily come from the heavy cream and milk, contributing to the ice cream's creamy texture and mouthfeel.

Proteins

Each serving of Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream contains approximately 3 grams of protein. The protein in this dessert comes from the eggs and milk, which are essential for the structure and consistency of the ice cream.

Vitamins and minerals

Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that help protect your body against oxidative stress. Additionally, the milk and cream provide calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.

Alergens

This ice cream contains common allergens such as eggs and dairy. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or seek alternative recipes that do not contain these allergens.

Summary

Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream is a delicious, summer-inspired treat that offers a balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. While it is rich in fats and sugars, it also provides some nutritional benefits from the fresh peaches, eggs, and dairy ingredients.

Summary

Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream is a delightful, homemade dessert that celebrates the flavors of summer. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, it's a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts, this ice cream is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a hot summer day and I was browsing through a cookbook at the local library when I stumbled upon a page that featured a mouthwatering picture of Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream. The vibrant orange color of the ice cream, speckled with chunks of juicy peaches, looked absolutely divine.

I had always been a fan of peaches, especially during the summer months when they were in season. The thought of turning those sweet and succulent fruits into a creamy and refreshing ice cream was too tempting to resist. I quickly jotted down the recipe, making a mental note to gather the necessary ingredients as soon as possible.

The next day, I headed to the farmer's market to pick up some fresh Georgia peaches. The scent of ripe peaches filled the air as I selected the perfect ones for my ice cream. I could already imagine the burst of flavor they would bring to the creamy base.

Back at home, I got to work preparing the ingredients. The recipe called for whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, the star of the show – fresh peaches. I carefully measured out each ingredient, ensuring that I followed the instructions to a tee.

As I began to cook the base for the ice cream, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and peaches. I stirred the mixture gently, watching as it thickened and coated the back of a spoon. Once it had reached the perfect consistency, I let it cool before churning it in my ice cream maker.

The whirring sound of the ice cream maker filled the room as it worked its magic, transforming the chilled base into a creamy and dreamy dessert. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

After a few hours of freezing, the ice cream was ready. I scooped out a generous portion into a bowl and took my first bite. The sweetness of the peaches paired perfectly with the rich and creamy base, creating a symphony of flavors on my taste buds. It was every bit as delicious as I had imagined.

I served some to my family, who couldn't believe that I had made such a delectable treat from scratch. They raved about the flavor and texture, declaring it one of the best ice creams they had ever tasted. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a beloved recipe from one of my favorite ice cream brands.

From that day on, Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream became a staple in my summer dessert rotation. Whenever peaches were in season, I would whip up a batch to enjoy with loved ones on warm evenings. The recipe had become a cherished tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it even more unique. Whether I added a splash of bourbon for a grown-up version or swapped out the peaches for other fruits, the core recipe remained the same – a creamy and indulgent treat that never failed to delight.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day at the library when I first discovered the recipe for Ben & Jerry's Fresh Georgia Peach Ice Cream, I am filled with gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and being able to share that love through a simple scoop of ice cream brings me immense joy.

I may have learned the recipe from a cookbook, but the memories and moments created around it are truly priceless. And as I continue to cook and bake for my family and friends, I am grateful for the opportunity to pass down not just recipes, but the love and laughter that accompany them. After all, food is so much more than just sustenance – it is a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a gift for the future. And for that, I am truly thankful.