Nice ice baby
Have a bash at making your own ice cream, sorbets and slushy drinks. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy and a sure-fire way to make yourself the most popular mum on the compound. The beauty of making your own is that you know exactly what is going into each batch and you can make them as healthy or as naughty as you like. We tested the Gaggia Gelatiera (that’s ice cream maker to you and me) which made the whole process as easy as child’s play. It’s easy to get addicted and inventive. We rustled up a few sorbets, frozen yoghurts and some daiquiris (which certainly livened up our coffee mornings) before we had to hand it back (sob!) Try the raspberry sorbet for a major zingy fruit injection or, for a more decadent treat, the chocolate ice cream (made with 70 per cent cocoa – so good for you it’s practically a vegetable).
Berry sorbet
500g of fresh or frozen raspberries
or strawberries
150g caster sugar
4 tbsp lime or lemon juice
1. Combine ingredients in a blender (or, if usIng fresh, get the kids to crush them with the back of a spoon.
2. Sieve out seeds if desired then chill until cold.
3. Transfer mix to an ice cream maker and freeze according to instructions.
Chocolate ice cream
5 egg yolks
500ml milk
250ml double cream
50g caster sugar
100g dark chocolate, broken into squares
1. Create a custard base by beating together the egg yolks and sugar until thick.
2. Pour the milk into a saucepan bring it slowly up to boiling point. Pour the hot milk into the egg mix whilst continuously stirring.
3. Pour the mixture back into the pan and heat gently, stirring until the custard thickens (don’t bring to the boil or it will curdle). When you can see a film form over the back of your spoon remove from the heat.
5. Drop in the chocolate, stir to melt and leave to cool.
6. Chill the mix until it’s really cold (we left ours for two hours) then mix until slushy.
7. Add the cream and mix well.
8. Transfer mix to an ice cream maker and freeze according to instructions.
Loadsa lollies
We love this ZOKU Quick Pop ice lolly maker which has got to be the fastest way in the world to make an ice lolly. We’re not entirely sure of the science, but basically you pre-freeze the unit for 24 hours, pop in your sticks then pour in your chosen juice. Seven minutes later you’ll have a super-cool ice lolly. Because it’s non-electrical, kids can easily create their own fruity concoctions using freshly-squeezed juices, yoghurts or diluted juice. Brrrr-illiant!
The Zoku Ice lolly maker is available at Lakeland at Mirdif City Centre for Dhs325 or get it online at www.zokuhome.co.uk for 39.95 (Dhs250).
Honest to goodness!
Check out the new Honest Kids range of organic, low-sugar thirst quenchers. In five flavours including Pomegranate Blue and Cranberry Lemonade (yum!), each pouch has less than 50 calories per serving. From Dhs7 at Waitrose and Spinneys.
Water cooler
Watermelons are thirst-quenching, locally-grown (which means cheap!) and healthy to boot. Mum Debra Williams recommends cutting a watermelon into triangles, flicking out the seeds with a toothpick if your nippers are likely to complain, and freezing them for ready-made ‘ice triangles’ – 100 per cent natural fruit!
