Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Ye', I did it. I made my first batch of ice cream, it's yummy as can be!!!  For this first try, I just followed the recipe that came with the Cuisinart  Pure  Indulgence TM Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker.


Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 C fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice ( I used lime since I don't have any lemon :))
- 1/2 + 1/4 C sugar, divided
- 1/2 + 1/4 C whole milk
- 1 + 1/4 C heavy cream
- 1 + 1/2 t  pure vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation:
1. In a small bowl, combine the strawberries with the lemon juice and 1/2 C of the sugar. Stir gently and allow the strawberries to macerate in the juices for 2 hrs (pic 3).  Strain the strawberries (pic 4),  reserving juices (pic 5). Mash or puree half the berries.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and remaining granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved (pic 6), about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, reserved strawberry juice, mashed strawberry, vanilla. (pic 7)
3. Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into the freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes (pic 8). Five minutes before mixing is completed, add the reserved sliced strawberries and let mix in completely. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture (pic 9).  If a firmer consitency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15' before serving.