How To: Make ice cream

Everyone loves ice cream, no matter what age they are. So why not try making a little homemade ice cream instead of hitting up Ben & Jerry's? You'll enjoy it, and most of all, you're kids will love it. With this recipe and an ice cream maker, you can create your own sundaes, shakes and ice cream cones at home.

You Will Need
* 1 qt. half and half
* 1 c. granulated sugar
* Pinch of salt
* 2 vanilla beans
* Ice cream maker
* Wooden spoon
* Rock salt
* Ice

Step 1: Freeze maker's canister
Put your ice cream maker's metal canister in the freezer overnight to make sure it's as cold as possible. If your machine uses a pre-frozen liquid or gel, follow the manufacturer's freezing instructions.

Step 2: Make ice cream mix
Make ice cream mix by pouring a cup of the half and half into a saucepan and stirring in the sugar and salt with the wooden spoon.

Step 3: Add vanilla beans
Cut the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the saucepan. Then add the seed pod.

Step 4: Heat the mixture
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, being careful not to let the mixture come to a boil. Stir the mixture until all of the sugar has been dissolved.

Step 5: Refrigerate the mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the remaining half and half. Cover it and put it in your refrigerator until it's well chilled.

Step 6: Fill canister
Fill the frozen canister with rock salt and ice, insert it into the machine. Remove the seed pods from the chilled mix and pour it into the machine. Lower the mixing paddle, put the cover on the machine, and fasten the motor drive. Then start the machine, alternating layers of ice and salt according to your machine's directions.

Step 7: Check progress
Watch the progress of your ice cream, adding more ice and salt as necessary. When it's done, put it in a cone, make a shake or a sundae, or put a scoop between two cookies for a delicious ice cream sandwich.