Cantaloupe Ice Cream

What in the world is a girl to do with too many cantaloupes?  Every year we plant a garden, and it always includes cantaloupe, but I don't think we have ever gotten a single melon.  This year, luck would have it that we have cantaloupe growing out our ears.  They are really hard to spot in the garden until they start to turn, but then they are usually too ripe, and the texture is mushy.

I knew I had to do something, because all these cantaloupes going to waste was dampening my spirit.  I googled what to do with ripe cantaloupe, and believe it or not, there are not too many recipes.  Surely someone has had this same conundrum....

Well, I decided to try and make ice cream flavored with pureed cantaloupe.  My thought was that it would mellow out the strong, ripe flavor and yield a perfect ending to a summer dinner.  I then googled cantaloupe ice cream, and wouldn't you know that there are tons of recipes. After reading a few, I became disgusted and can't bring my self to eat raw, frozen eggs. 

I defaulted back to my favorite ice cream base.  Sweetened condensed milk and heaving whipping cream.  Rich, I know, but the water content of the pureed melon is sure to cut the richness. 

Well my friends, this is a match made in melon heaven.  The rich cream cuts the ripeness of the melon and together they are a perfect blend of summer perfection.  I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!



Peel and de-seed an over ripe cantaloupe.  Cut into cubes...



Puree cantaloupe until smooth.



The ice cream base.  That is all, nothing else.  Trust me, it is good.




Stir together sweetened condensed milk and cream.



Mix in pureed cantaloupe.

Follow manufacturers directions and churn until frozen.

OK, so here is the recipe:

1 over ripe cantaloupe, peeled and de-seeded, and cut into cubes
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 pint heaving whipping cream

Mix milk and cream in a large bowl until well combined.  Puree cantaloupe in blender or food processor until smooth and add to cream mixture. Mix well. Pour into ice cream freezer and churn until frozen.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.  I tried to tell myself it was healthy because it contained melon!

Until next time, keep adventuring and looking for joy in the small details of life!

Sarah