Orange Juice Sherbet

Quick and easy to make, and so refreshing on a hot summer's day. Make this in the morning for a cool afternoon snack or enjoy as a light dessert in the evening. No cooking, no eggs or heavy cream--all you need is an electric ice cream maker. Kids love making and eating this recipe, too. This sherbet tends to get a little "icy" after a few days in the freezer, but it is unlikely that you'll ever have any last that long!

• 3 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

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Blend all ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. Transfer mixture to ice cream maker* and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions (takes about 25 minutes in my Deni freezer). Scoop the mixture into an air-tight container and place in freezer for several hours to allow the sherbet to "firm up". If you're really desperate to start eating, you can skip the last step and just dig right in. However, you might need a straw instead of a spoon, as the sherbet will be pretty slushy at this stage.

*Note: Milk and orange juice should be very cold; otherwise you'll get better results by refrigerating the mixture for a few hours before transferring to ice cream maker.

Easy Vanilla Ice Cream

A refreshing treat for those hot summer days

• 2 fresh eggs*
• 3/4 Cup sugar
• 2 cups heavy or whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more.

Pour in the cream and milk and whisk to blend. Add the vanilla and blend again. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following manufacturer's instructions. Makes 1 generous quart.

Variations:
Wait until ice cream begins to thicken, and add chopped or pureed strawberries, peaches, bananas, chocolate chips, oreo pieces, or what have you—use your imagination!
Amount of sugar may be adjusted to taste. Honey may be substituted for the sugar, but remember that honey is sweeter than sugar, so adjust amount accordingly. Also, other flavorings (such as mint) may be used in place of the vanilla.

*This mixture is not cooked. If you are concerned about the use of raw eggs, substitute 1/2 cup egg substitute (such as Egg Beaters).