Science in the Kitchen: Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag

We’re getting creative in the kitchen with this fun Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream in a Bag recipe brought to you thanks to our partnership with Hershey’s via MomTrends.  

Science in the Kitchen Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag

This weekend the kids and I got a little creative in the kitchen. After finding that my husband ate the last of the ice cream, they were determined to make a fun sweet treat to enjoy while we watched movies together. So I suggested we make ice cream. Now their first reaction was one of disbelief. Not that they hadn’t made ice cream before, but because our ice cream maker has been in the garage since we’ve moved here and they knew that wasn’t going to happen. So when I suggested that we shake and make our own homemade ice cream in a bag like I used to with my grandma, their eyes lit up and they were 100% on board to try things out.

While we were going over what ingredients we needed – ice, ice cream salt, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, sugar – my son spotted the HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup and asked if we could turn our ice cream into chocolate chip ice cream like the kind we’ve made before with a ribbon of homemade ganache. Instead of nixing the idea right away, I asked him what he’d do to make chocolate chip ice cream from the syrup. His mind started going and the ideas started cranking out.

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag ingredients

He settled on an experiment he wanted to try out: If we squeezed a ribbon of HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup onto wax paper and froze it, would it become hard so we could break it up into our ice cream?

So I let him set everything up and try it out. After about 3 hours in the freezer, though, the syrup was very cold, but not solid. So he decided that we’d just drizzle the chocolate in the ice cream mix to make a chocolate ice cream. Even though his hypothesis was wrong, he still ended up with a pretty yummy outcome!

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag with Hershey's Simply 5

Each of the older two had their own bags of ice cream and both decided on stopping when it became the consistency of soft serve vs. waiting until it became a more formed ice cream (see the photo below). If you don’t like a little melted ice cream, feel free to shake until the ice cream turns harder.

Just a little squeeze of the HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup, brings back cherished childhood memories I created with my family so it was fun to do this with my kids. It’s an easy way to share a sweet and simple moment with my family. We also love enjoying a glass of milk with a little swirl of syrup inside!

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag and just right

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 drizzle of HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup
  • 6 tablespoons ice cream salt
  • 3 cups ice
  • 1 gallon size zippered plastic bag
  • 1 quart size zippered plastic bag

In the quart size zippered plastic bag, add heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla, and HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup. Seal tight making sure to get most of the air out.

In the freezer size zippered plastic bag, add the ice and ice cream salt. Then add the ice cream mixture bag. Shake, shake, shake like crazy until your ice cream starts forming (about 3-5 minutes of shaking). I suggest putting on some dance music to make it more enjoyable!

Once your ice cream has formed, wipe off any excess salt from the bag and snip a corner of the bag with some scissors (if soft serve consistency) to pour into a cup or bowl. Or use a spoon to scoop out (if harder consistency). Drizzle with more HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup and enjoy!

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream In A Bag with Hershey's Simply 5 syrup

HERSHEY’S SIMPLY 5 Syrup is a sweet and simple take on the HERSHEY’S classic, now made with five simple ingredients. You can find more recipes and fun things to do with HERSHEY’S by visiting them on Facebook or following along on Twitter.

Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Hershey’s via MomTrends.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hershey’s or Momtrends.

Strawberry Mango Cream Pops

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The a2 Milk Company™. All opinions are 100% mine.

Strawberry Mango Cream Pops

One thing we always have to keep stocked in the house besides milk is fruit. My kids go through fruit like other kids might go through candy. We enjoy fruit for breakfast, with our lunch, and even for dessert! These strawberry mango cream pops are one of their favorites and reminds me of one of our favorite smoothies in popsicle form. So good! 

Strawberry Mango Cream Pops - 4 simple ingredients

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. 4 ingredients all blended together and poured into cute popsicle molds then set overnight in the freezer. And because we use a2 Milk®, I don’t have to worry about my daughter having tummy troubles or breaking out with eczema. Over the past few months of using a2 Milk® with her we’ve found that reducing dairy and grabbing the a2 milk® instead has helped her. 
Strawberry Mango Cream Pops are perfect for toddlers

Strawberry Mango Cream Pops

  • 1 cup strawberries, hull removed
  • 1 cup mangos, sliced
  • 1/2 cup a2 Milk®
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Blend all ingredients in your blender until smooth. Grab popsicle molds and fill to fill line. Make sure not to overfill! Place molds in freezer and let set overnight. Remove molds from freezer and enjoy.

Strawberry Mango Cream Pops with fresh strawberries and mangos

Over the past few months we’ve incorporated a2 Milk® into our everyday lives and it’s now our go-to milk. The kids haven’t noticed a difference at all but I have. Since we’ve introducing our 15 month old to a2 Milk®, and me drinking it as well, she’s been happier and has had less breakouts with her eczema. Since all other forms of mammal’s milk (i.e. goat, sheep, human) only contain the A2-type proteins, she’s used to only getting the A2 protein. I’m hoping this continues to make her transition to cow’s milk easier as she nurses less and less. 

Strawberry Mango Cream Pops with a2 milk

What is your go-to dessert for kids?

Interested in more info about a2 Milk®? Check them out on Twitter and Facebook or find where you can purchase it by using their Product Locator! Or check out the great recipes they have on Pinterest. And right now you can take advantage of this a2 Milk® $1 Off Coupon.

Visit Sponsors Site

2-Ingredient Nutella Banana Ice Cream

2 ingredient Nutella Banana Ice Cream

While I’m watching what I eat in an effort to get down to my ideal weight (no number just yet, just more comfortable in my body then where I am now) I do enjoy a little indulgence every once in a while. Since we didn’t have any ice cream on hand for a late night snack, I decided to turn to the frozen bananas I had in my freezer for smoothies and turn them into something a little more decadent… 2-Ingredient Nutella Banana Ice Cream.

I love how easy banana ice cream is. Normally just one ingredient if you want something sweet and creamy but by adding just one more ingredient, something simple is taken to the next level. I’m always amazed at how two ingredient recipes can be so amazing!

Nutella Banana Ice Cream

Nutella Banana Ice Cream

What you’ll need:
3 bananas, sliced and frozen
1/2 C. Nutella
What you do: 
Place the frozen banana slices into the food processor and pulse.
Nutella Banana Ice Cream - banana in food processor
Add in the 1/2 a cup of Nutella and pulse until the bananas and Nutella are combined.
Nutella Banana Ice Cream - nutella in banana
Pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer safe dish, cover and freeze for an hour prior to serving.
*Makes 2-3 servings

Nutella Banana Ice Cream - 2 simple ingredients

Looking for more 2-ingredient desserts?Try this 2-ingredient chocolate hazelnut cake!

2 Ingredient Chocolate Cake slice

How do you keep dessert simple?

Enjoy Summer Fun With A Root Beer Float Party

Root Beer Float Party

It’s the summer. And we all know what that means – party time! If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate summer and try out all of those tasty ice cream recipes you are seeing consider hosting a root beer float party.

With warm days and cool nights the weekends of summer are perfect for enjoying the classic root beer float and the gorgeous weather summer brings. Since my mom is in town visiting we hosted a root beer float party and invited her and our other extended family members down to enjoy the fun. And I couldn’t wait to use the adorable ice cream cone cups I picked up at a local discount store.

Root Beer Float Party party food spread

A Healthy Take on Summer Barbecue

Most barbecues are filled with tasty goodies but these summer favorites might not always be the best choice health wise. So I changed up my menu a bit and made a few healthier dishes to sub for our party favorites.

In an effort to stick with my goal of staying healthy and losing weight I made a few minor changes to our barbecue menu.

Our lighter fare items consisted of:

  • 97% Fat Free Hot Dogs
  • Turkey Bacon Burgers with Lite Cheddar
  • Watermelon Feta Salad – recipe here
  • Mixed Greens Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing
  • Corn on the Cob

The turkey bacon burgers were simply pre-made turkey burgers from the store with turkey bacon and light cheddar cheese on top. Super simple but very tasty! And less fat than a beef patty. I’m pretty sure I turned my mom into a turkey burger convert!

With most summer barbecues we find ourselves faced with heavy, filling sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and pasta salad so I decided to lighten things up and served this delicious watermelon feta salad instead. Not only are watermelons in season right now, they’re sooo good paired with feta and basil!

Now the mixed greens, hot dogs and corn on the cob were easy additions that rounded out the meal. We served some veggies with a yogurt ranch dip that we picked up at Walmart to munch on before our meal. No need for heavy appetizers because we were saving room for dessert!

Root Beer Float Party dessert table

Root Beer Float Bar

After our delicious meal it was time for dessert! And what better to serve on a hot summer day than a root beer float bar with all of the ingredients and toppings set out for the guests to serve themselves.

Our root beer float bar included:

  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Root Beer
  • Whipped Cream
  • Cherries
  • Straws/Spoons/Cups
  • Root Beer Float Cupcakes – recipe here

With the combination of vanilla ice cream and a creamy root beer we had the highest quality ingredients for the perfect root beer float. The guests loved them! And you can easily add more great ice cream toppings to your table to put your floats over the top.

Since it was a root beer float party I couldn’t resist making cute little root beer float cupcakes to go along with the root beer float bar. They just fit the theme perfectly.

Root Beer Float Party making a float

Root Beer Float Party Ideas

Root beer float parties are the perfect way to celebrate many summer occasions. If you’re looking for an interesting spin on 4th of July or Labor Day or simply have a birthday to share, guests love being taken back to their childhood with this favorite.

I was able to easily put together this party with the help of the fabulous inexpensive decor found at various retailers. A checkered tablecloth, some pinwheels, and other barbecue decor helped set the stage for our party and create a gorgeous spread.

By including a mix of plastic and glass cups for our floats I was able to safely serve the kids as well as the adults without worrying about anything breaking. And I couldn’t wait to try out the ice cream cone glass cups I found a few years back! They fit the theme perfectly.

Root Beer Float Party enjoying a float

Lighter Option with Half The Fat

If you’re watching your weight or trying to cut back on your soda consumption like I am you don’t have to forego the root beer float! With reduced calorie soda and lower fat ice cream varieties you can enjoy a lower calorie and lower fat option that fits your plan.

And if you choose to serve the lighter fare menu I outlined above there’ll be no need to worry about your waistline at your next get together!

Many classic flavors of summer can easily be created in a healthier, more figure friendly way. You just have to be a bit creative and try out new recipes!

Root Beer Float Party having fun

Another great flavor combo for your party would be the classic taste of a 50/50 bar in your glass. It’s super simple. Just grab some orange soda, vanilla ice cream and your favorite cup. Pour the orange soda over the ice cream and stick your straw right in. Mmmm!

Top your floats off with some tasty ice cream toppings and you’ll have one heck of a sweet treat.

DSC_0261

What favorite summer recipe would you like to lighten up?



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