...and getting lost in the rain

I was lucky enough to pick up a fully functional and all parts intact Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker for $13 at a local thrift store last week.  After a successful sorbet adventure using Galia melon, I decided it was time to try my hand at a little recipe creation - the first target: Pina-Colada ice cream.

I postulated a basic recipe:

• 6 oz pineapple juice
• 14 oz coconut milk
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• 2 C heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 C crushed pineapple

Whisk together the liquid ingredients and the sugar until the sugar is dissolved, 1-2 minutes.  Once all is combined, chill in the refrigerator.  Add ice cream ingredients as per ice cream machine's directions, and mix according to machine guidelines - mine calls for 25-30 minutes.  5 minutes before completion, add crushed pineapple and allow machine to process.  Scoop into freezer safe container and allow to rest 4-5 hours before service.

Pineapple juice, sugar and coconut milk mixed together

Heavy whipping cream whisked in

The process begins

Pineapple added

Getting ready to transfer

4 hours later

So, what was the final verdict?  Yummy, without a doubt!  But, there were a few shortcomings that will be addressed in future iterations.

1. Heavy build up of frozen fat on the wall of the ice cream maker.  I suspect this is due to the heavy fat content (heavy whipping cream + coconut milk).  I plan to alter the recipe by changing the heavy whipping cream for half-and-half, and reducing the quantities of both coconut milk and dairy, as well as increasing the quantity of pineapple juice.
2. Missing a flavor layer.  There's just "something" missing, and the consensus was that it needed a warm, nutty flavor to complement the sweetness of the coconut and the acid of the pineapple.  I think that toasted coconut may be the path to this.

My next iteration recipe will look something like this:

• 10 oz pineapple juice
• 10 oz coconut milk
• 1.5 C half-and-half
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1/2 C crushed pineapple
• 1/4 C toasted coconut

The joys of experimentation lie ahead!