Use a Gelato Ice Cream Maker This Summer and Have Fun

If you have ever been to Italy and had a craving for ice cream and decided to walk into a store to buy some –  you might be surprised at what you get.

The first time I had gelato was in Rome during the summer.  It was not what I expected as I was only familiar with regular American ice cream.  But I can see why Italians love this version of ice cream.  Be careful however, because when you have it you may never want to go back to regular ice cream again.

Gelato is made with whole milk and not cream like it’s American counterpart.  It also is made with very little air unlike regular ice cream which is approximately 50% air.  Therefore gelato has a much denser and creamier texture.

In addition gelato does not use egg yolk which ice cream does.  Given all these factors you can see why gelato is favored among people who diet because it is a lower caloric dessert.

Gelato comes in many flavors such as pistachio, almonds, chocolate, raspberries, strawberry etc.

Make Gelato at Home!

You will not fine gelato at your regular grocery store.  So what does one do?  You can make it at home using a Gelato Maker.  These are not the same as an ice cream maker and here is why.  Most ice cream makers or machines will have an opening at the top where you can pour in your ingredients.  It is not a closed off and sealed off lid, because you want the air to circulate in the ice cream with the ingredients during the blending process.  Remember ice cream contains up to 50% air.

But that is ice cream and we’re talking about gelato.  With the gelato maker you want to have an airtight enclosure which keeps air out during the blending process.  For example, the DeLonghi GM6000 Gelato Maker with Self-Refrigerating Compressor has a special lid which does exactly that for the sole purpose of keeping air out.  It is called a hermetic closure lid.  Anyone who says you can make gelato with an ice cream maker which allows air to circulate might make gelato – but not the way it is supposed to taste.

You can read my full detailed review for the Delonghi GM6000 model here.

Another difference between the two types of machines is that many ice cream machines require you to pre freeze a bowl in the freezer overnight to make it cold enough when it is used.  With this particular GM600 model, Delonghi gives it its own refrigerating compressor which brings the bowl and ingredients to below freezing temperatures which is very importance when making gelato.  It is not so important when making ice cream so the difference is critical.

When to Make Gelato

If you’re wondering when you made use such a machine that is easy to answer.  These are great for parties and guests and anytime you want to have some.  You can make your batches of ice cream beforehand and offer different varieties using various ice cream recipes.  There are lots of cookbooks online such as Amazon which feature recipes for gelato.   I’ve read how some people will make their batches of gelato and freeze them in nice containers and then give them away as gifts for friends.  I think this is an excellent idea.

Personally, I would think one of the best times to use this is when having a kid’s party such as a birthday party.  How cool would kids think it is two make their own ice cream?!  I know that I would have been very excited if my family had one of these when I was a child.

To be honest I know I still would be even today – let’s admit it, everyone is still a kid inside!

Yours Truly -

Liz
www.simpleitaliancooking.com
Simple Italian Recipes

Related posts:

1. Can you use a gelato maker to make ice cream? ...
2. Delonghi GM600 Gelato Maker Review I have recently written a review on the Delonghi GM600 Gelato Maker which I’ve posted on my site .  ...
3. What is an Italian ice cream machine? In Italian ice cream machine is more than just an ice cream maker that was manufactured and produced in Italy,...
4. How to make ice cream without an ice cream maker Without a doubt, everyone loves ice cream.   In fact, it is the only bright part of having a sore throat...
5. Who wants gelato for dessert? I wanted to share a basic gelato recipe with you, but I have to admit I was confused by the...