Saed News:Freeze-dried ice cream is one of the latest scientific innovations that originated from space exploration projects.
Saed News Family Magazine reports that freeze-dried ice cream is one of the latest scientific innovations born from space exploration projects. Over time, this delicious treat has gradually made its way onto people’s snack tables.
Also known as “astronaut ice cream,” this light and airy dessert shares similarities with the traditional Iranian sweet "Tabrizi Soot Pastry." While you might think it’s as tricky to make as fried ice cream, the good news is that this version is easier to prepare. However, keep in mind that to get the authentic texture, you’ll need a freeze dryer. Still, we've provided a method below that mimics freeze-drying, so you can make your own at home.
Begin by mixing gelatin powder with cold water thoroughly. Let it bloom, then heat the mixture gently until it comes to a full boil.
In a separate saucepan, combine milk and sugar and heat gently while stirring to fully dissolve the sugar. Be careful not to let the milk boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cream and stir. Then add vanilla and mix well until the flavor is fully infused. For a twist in flavor, you might want to try fried ice cream recipes.
Note: You can substitute vanilla with any other flavoring you prefer.
Let the milk and cream mixture cool slightly before adding the melted gelatin. Use an electric mixer to blend until completely smooth. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to give your ice cream a more appealing look. Mix again until evenly colored.
Note: The mixture should reach a dough-like consistency.
Line or grease a 15x20 cm mold. Pour the mixture into the mold and smooth the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for five hours to fully solidify and dry. After this time, remove the mold, uncover it to allow excess moisture to evaporate, then refrigerate for another five hours. (This process mimics freeze-drying.) Finally, remove the plastic and parchment paper, and cut the ice cream into desired pieces using a sharp knife. Don’t forget to garnish with crushed pistachios or almonds before serving.
Tip: You can also use ice cube trays for shaping the ice cream—just grease them first.
Freeze-dried ice cream is a fun and tempting treat that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. But remember: the original texture is best achieved using a real freeze dryer. These extra tips will help you come close:
Due to the lack of moisture, freeze-dried ice cream resembles light walnut meringue cookies. Though it looks dry, it melts quickly in your mouth with each bite. Its shelf-stability makes it an excellent snack for long trips.
In the world of desserts, there's always a creative workaround. One of the simplest freeze-dried ice cream alternatives uses marshmallows. Melt 40g of butter in a pan, then add 180g of marshmallows and stir over low heat until fully melted.
Add your choice of crushed biscuits, strawberries, or chopped nuts. Stir until combined, then pour the mixture into a greased mold and let it set at room temperature—no freezer or dryer needed! You can even make homemade marshmallows using gelatin for this.
Use full-fat milk for best results. Rich, creamy milk (like traditional farm-fresh milk) gives the ice cream a creamy hue. For a pure white finish, use pasteurized milk. If color is important, you can add food coloring, saffron, or cocoa powder. Use a wooden spoon to stir, as the mixture may thicken and brown slightly at the bottom.
Important: Always add sugar and milk together before heating. Stir constantly to prevent boiling. Depending on the heat level, preparing the base mixture may take up to 1.5 hours.
You can make freeze-dried ice cream in many different flavors. Some popular options include chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, strawberry or orange essence, cocoa powder, and fruit bits. If you plan to sell this treat or want the most authentic result, investing in a freeze dryer is essential.
Also called "astronaut ice cream," this dessert has a much longer shelf life than traditional frozen or pasteurized ice cream. Thanks to freeze-drying, it can last up to three years at room temperature if stored in a sealed, moisture-free container. This makes it perfect for long journeys.
Freeze-dried ice cream retains its flavor and texture over time, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, mountain hikes, travel snacks, or simply entertaining guests. It also works well as a topping for cakes and pastries. Want to cool off in the summer? Try making ice cream pudding too!
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