F is for Figs and I is for Ice Cream

Today’s blog is a combo of the letters ‘F’ and ‘I’ in our Food Fun from A to Z series. Most people are familiar with figs only from the popular cookie – the Fig Newton. However, figs are a fun fruit that can add a sweet taste to a variety of foods, including ice cream. Figs are sweet like honey with a slight berry taste. Figs also serve as a source of fiber, B6 and potassium.

You scream! I scream! We all scream for ice cream!

As the weather begins to warm up, ice cream is a great way to cool down after a long day (or in the middle or at the beginning – really anytime!).

We are a Girl Scout family. When my girls were young, we would often go camping and participate in other outdoor activities like hiking and orienteering. The outdoor culinary skills we gained often come in handy during hurricane season here in Florida. They can make pizza in a box oven, walking tacos and, of course, s’mores for days. Above all, their favorite Girl Scout memory is making ice cream in a bag.

The recipe below is fun for all and the end result is yummy ice cream. What could be better? This recipe is super flexible. You could add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, strawberries, etc. The possibilities are endless. Grab the kids and your gloves (the bag gets cold) and make fun family memories of your own.

Fig Ice Cream in a Bag

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 figs
  • 1 c. half-and-half
  • 3 tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 3 c. ice
  • 1/3 c. kosher salt or rock salt
  • Toppings of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Cut figs in half, scoop out pulp and chop into small pieces
  • Sprinkle figs with 1 tbsp. sugar and toss to coat. Let sit 5 minutes.
  • In a small Ziploc bag, combine half-and-half, sugar, vanilla and figs.
  • Push out excess air and seal.
  • Into a larger Ziploc bag, combine ice and salt.
  • Place small bag inside the bigger bag and shake vigorously, 7 to 10 minutes, until ice cream has hardened.
  • Remove from bag and enjoy with your favorite ice cream toppings.

Notes

Depending on the weather, it may take longer to set-up. If still soft, place small bag in freezer until set. Tossing the large Ziploc bag back and forth between friends adds to the fun. You can also make it a game of hot (or actually cold) potato(es) with a group of friends in a circle.
Image by MARK BOUGHTON

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