Introduction: Frozen Joy in a Practical Presentation

Strawberry Cream Ice Cream in a Pouch is an ingenious and delicious way to enjoy a classic frozen dessert. The combination of the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich creaminess of whole milk, condensed milk, half and half, and cream cheese, all enhanced by a touch of vanilla, creates an irresistible ice cream. Presented in individual pouches, it’s perfect to enjoy anytime, anywhere—ideal for children’s parties, picnics, or simply as a refreshing and easy-to-handle treat. Discover all the secrets of this frozen wonder in its convenient format!

Detailed History in Spanish: Uniting Tradition and Frozen Practicality

The history of ice cream dates back to ancient times, with records of frozen desserts in civilizations such as the Romans and China. However, ice cream as we know it today evolved significantly with the invention of more efficient freezing techniques and the availability of ingredients like cream and sugar.

Homemade Ice Cream: For a long time, ice cream was a luxury reserved for the upper classes due to the difficulty of obtaining and maintaining ice. Over time, the invention of home ice cream makers made making ice cream at home more accessible.

Strawberries and Cream: The combination of fresh strawberries and cream is a classic and timeless dessert appreciated in many cultures for its simplicity and delicious balance of flavors. The juicy acidity of the strawberries is perfectly complemented by the smooth richness of the cream.

The Pouch Presentation: The idea of freezing creamy liquids with fruit in individual pouches is probably a modern adaptation that arose from the need to create individual servings that were easy to handle and consume, especially in informal settings or for children. This presentation allows ice cream to be enjoyed without the need for containers or spoons, making it ideal for taking along and eating outdoors.

This method of preparing ice cream may have become popular in regions where plastic bags are a common and inexpensive packaging, offering a practical solution for freezing and distributing individual servings of homemade ice cream.

More Historical Detail: Regional Influences and Adaptations

Digging a little deeper into the history of this type of ice cream in a bag, we can consider some possible influences:

• Homemade Popsicles: The tradition of making homemade popsicles with fruit juices, milk, or creamy combinations is common in many cultures. Popsicle can be seen as a creamier variation on this idea, using a richer dairy base.
• The Culture of Convenient Snacks: In modern life, convenience is key. Individually packaged, easy-to-eat foods and desserts are very popular, especially for children and on-the-go. Ice cream in a pouch fits perfectly into this trend.
• Regional Adaptations: This method of preparing ice cream is likely to vary regionally in terms of ingredients used and preferred flavors. Strawberries and cream are very popular, but other fruits such as mango, peach, or other fruit combinations could be used.

The pouch presentation is not only practical, but can also evoke childhood memories for many people, as it is often associated with homemade ice cream and treats sold in neighborhood stores or prepared at home for parties and informal gatherings.

Ingredients & Detailed Preparation

Ingredients:

• Whole milk: 1.5 liters
• Condensed milk: 1 can
• Powdered milk: 4 tablespoons
• Sugar: To taste (Optional, test for sweetness before adding)
• Half and half cream: 1 ½ cups
• Cream Cheese (Philadelphia): ½ bar (approximately 90 g) (At room temperature)
• Vanilla extract: ½ tablespoon
• Fresh strawberries: Diced (quantity needed for each bag)
• Plastic ice cream bags (individual size)

Detailed Preparation:

1. Blend the ice cream base:  In a blender, combine the whole milk, condensed milk, powdered milk, sugar (if using), half and half, cream cheese (at room temperature), and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Taste for sweetness and adjust if necessary.
2. Prepare the strawberries:  Wash and sanitize the strawberries. Remove the husks and cut them into small cubes. The quantity will depend on your taste, but allow for approximately 2-3 tablespoons of strawberries per bag.
3. Fill the pouches: Take the plastic ice cream pouches. Place a portion of chopped strawberries in each pouch. Then, pour the liquid ice cream mixture into the pouch, filling it about 2/3 full to allow room for expansion when frozen.
4. Seal the bags: Seal the top of each bag tightly. You can use a tight knot or a bag sealer if you have one. Make sure there’s no air left inside to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
5. Freeze:  Place the filled bags in the freezer. Space them out so they’re not too crowded so they freeze evenly. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely solid.
6. Enjoy:  To consume, you can cut the top of the pouch and enjoy the ice cream directly from the pouch, pushing it up as it melts.

Estimated Preparation Time

• Preparation: 20-25 minutes (blend ingredients, chop strawberries, fill bags)
• Freezing: 4-6 hours (or longer, until solid)
• Total time: Approximately 4-6 hours + preparation time

Additional Tips

• Strawberry Quality: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If the strawberries are very tart, you can add a little more sugar to the ice cream mixture.
• Fruit Variations: You can adapt this recipe by using other fruits such as mango, banana, peach, or a fruit medley. Adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of the fruit.
• Creamier texture: Cream cheese helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture. Don’t skip it if you’re looking for that quality.
• Alternative sweetener: If you prefer, you can use other sweeteners such as honey, agave syrup, or artificial sweeteners, adjusting the amount to taste.
• No pouches: If you don’t have individual pouches, you can freeze the mix in a large, airtight container and then scoop out portions with an ice cream scoop. However, the pouch presentation is what distinguishes this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is powdered milk added? Powdered milk helps improve the texture of ice cream, making it creamier and less prone to forming large ice crystals.
• Is it necessary to use cream cheese? Cream cheese contributes to the creaminess and adds a slight acidic note that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the ice cream’s texture will be different.
• How long do these ice creams last in the freezer? Properly frozen, these homemade ice creams can be stored for approximately 1-2 months. However, their texture may deteriorate slightly over time due to the formation of ice crystals.

Texture and Flavor

The texture of this Strawberry Cream Ice Cream is creamy and smooth, thanks to the whole milk, half and half, and cream cheese. The powdered milk also contributes to a smoother texture with fewer ice crystals. The frozen strawberry chunks add small dots of a firmer, slightly icy texture.

The flavor is a delicious combination of the vibrant, slightly tart sweetness of fresh strawberries with the milky, sweet richness of condensed milk and half and half. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang that balances the overall sweetness, and the vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the other flavors. It’s a refreshing and balanced ice cream, where the fruit takes center stage, enhanced by the creaminess of the base.

Consumer Context

This Strawberry Ice Cream in a Pouch is ideal for various occasions:

• Refreshing dessert: Perfect to enjoy on hot days as a delicious way to cool off.
• Children’s parties: Its presentation in a bag makes it easy to handle and prevents spills, ideal for children.
• Picnics and outdoor activities: Its individual, sealed format is very practical to take with you and consume anywhere.
• Sweet snack: A delicious and refreshing treat for any time of day.
• Informal gatherings: A fun and easy-to-serve option to share with friends and family.

Visual Aspect

Ice cream in a pouch has an attractive and appetizing appearance. The creamy white color of the dairy base is dotted with the bright red pieces of frozen strawberries, creating a pleasing visual contrast. The presentation in individual pouches, often transparent, allows the contents to be seen and is practical and eye-catching. When frozen, the strawberries may disperse their color slightly, creating pink veins in the ice cream.

Curiosities

• Using powdered milk in ice cream: Powdered milk contains lactose, which helps reduce the size of ice crystals, resulting in smoother ice cream. It also adds milk solids, which contribute to a creamier texture.
• The History of Food Freezing: The technique of freezing food for preservation has been used for centuries in cold climates, but artificial freezing revolutionized the way we enjoy cold foods like ice cream.
• The popularity of strawberries and cream: This classic combination is appreciated in many cultures and serves as inspiration for a variety of desserts.

Nutritional Value (Estimated per Serving – 1 sachet)

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the serving size (pouch size) and the exact amounts of ingredients used.

• Calories: 150-200 kcal
• Protein: 3-5 g (mainly from milk and cream cheese)
• Fat: 8-12 g (mainly from whole milk, half and half, and cream cheese)
  • Saturated fat: 5-8 g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g (mainly from condensed milk sugar and added sugar, as well as natural sugars from milk and strawberries)
  • Sugars: 12-18 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g (from strawberries)
• Vitamins and Minerals: Provides some calcium (from dairy products) and vitamin C (from strawberries).

Additional Benefits and Interesting Facts

• Source of calcium: The dairy products used in the recipe provide calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
• Contains antioxidants: Strawberries are a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against cell damage.
• Easy to make at home: You don’t need a special ice cream maker to prepare this delicious ice cream.
• Control of ingredients: By making it at home, you can control the quality and quantity of the ingredients.

Other Information

• Storage: Keep ice cream pouches frozen until ready to use.
• Hygiene: Make sure to handle food hygienically during preparation and seal the bags well to prevent contamination.

Conclusion: A Burst of Creamy Freshness in Every Sachet

Strawberry Cream Ice Cream in a Pouch is a fun, convenient, and delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert. The combination of the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of dairy, presented in a single-serve, easy-to-eat format, makes it the perfect refresher anytime, anywhere. Go ahead and make it and share the frozen joy in every pouch!