Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Basketball isn't just a game; it's a series of moments that bind fans together, creating memories that last a lifetime. For our family, the Indiana Pacers represent much more than a basketball team; they're a symbol of joy, excitement, and shared experiences. One such unforgettable moment was in December 2018 when Allie and I took Rae to her first Pacers game in Indiana. Witnessing her excitement, her interaction with Boomer, the team mascot, and soaking in the electrifying atmosphere of the game was truly next level. Rae's been a die-hard fan ever since, and our family's love for the Pacers has only grown.

With the Pacers coming to Northern California next week to face off against the Golden State Warriors, Allie's favorite team, we wanted to celebrate in a unique way. What better method to honor our beloved Pacers than with a batch of homemade Sweet Corn Ice Cream? This recipe isn't just a nod to Indiana's renowned cornfields; it's a sweet homage to the team that's brought us so much joy.

Recipe: Sweet Corn Ice Cream

Inspired by the heartland of Indiana and the spirit of the Pacers, this Sweet Corn Ice Cream recipe combines the freshness of corn with the creamy richness of traditional ice cream, spiced up with a dash of cinnamon. It's a unique flavor that's as memorable as a Pacers game-winning shot.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • A dash of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Corn Infusion: Begin by husking the corn and cutting the kernels off the cob. Don't discard the cobs; they're packed with flavor. Combine the corn kernels, cobs, milk, and heavy cream in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then turn off the heat and let it steep for an hour to infuse the corn flavor.

  2. Blend and Strain: Remove the cobs from the mixture, then blend the mixture until smooth. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.

  3. Cook the Ice Cream Base: Return the strained liquid to the saucepan. Add the sugars, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugars have dissolved.

  4. Chill: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until it's completely cool.

  5. Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  6. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.

  7. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop and serve the Sweet Corn Ice Cream as a delicious tribute to the Pacers, or to simply enjoy a unique and delightful dessert.

As we prepare to cheer on the Pacers, we'll be indulging in this Sweet Corn Ice Cream, a tasty representation of our loyalty and love for the team. Who knows? Maybe one day, we'll get to share a scoop with the Pacers themselves. Until then, we'll savor every bite and every game, celebrating our favorite team in the sweetest way we know how. Enjoy!

Ryan Rucker