Illinois 4-H

Food Science Spark Activity: Extra-Sweet Coffee Can Ice Cream
Food science is understanding how to put together the correct ingredients with the correct conditions to create a tasty new food, like ice cream.  Follow this simple recipe to make a sweet treat!
Materials:

• 1/2 cup half and half or whipping cream
• 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 quart-sized zipper-lock bags
• empty coffee can (or 1 gallon-size zipper-lock freezer bag)
• ice
• rock salt 

Experiment Instructions:

1. Fill the coffee can about half full with crushed ice and add about 1/3 cup rock salt to the ice.  Put the lid on the coffee can and shake the ice and salt for about five minutes. You may need to wear your gloves or wrap the can in a towel because the temperature of the ice and salt will drop down to about 14º F.
2. Use a 1-quart size, zipper-lock bag to mix the following ingredients: 1/2 cup of half & half, 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for flavor).
3. Seal the bag tightly, allowing as little air to remain in the bag as possible. Then double-bag into the second bag, again pressing out as much air as possible. Too much trapped air may cause a bag to break open and using two bags decreases the risk of salt and ice leaking into the ice cream.
4. Place the two bags inside the coffee can with the ice and securely put the lid on top.
5. Find a friend or family member and take turns shaking your can. The more energy you put into it, the sooner you’ll have ice cream. Your ice cream should be ready after about 15-20 minutes. Once mixed, remove the inner bags from the can and rinse them well with water. You don’t want any salt water accidentally getting into your ice cream. Enjoy!

Try this again, experimenting with a new ingredient like a different “milk,”  sweetener, or flavor extract.