Is the heat getting to you? Lost your appetite? You’re not alone. In these sweltering times it can be hard to work up an appetite for much more than salads and fruit. But who would say no to a freezing-cold bowl of home-made ice cream or – this summer’s obsession – an ice-cream sandwich?
Here are 10 easy ice-cream recipes from the Irish Times kitchen team, none of which require an ice-cream maker to produce.
Brown-bread ice cream
There's a comforting wave of nostalgia surrounding that old classic of brown-bread ice cream. For Vanessa Greenwood's easy recipe you'll be making your own brown bread – she is a master baker, after all. (You can, of course, cheat and just buy a loaf.) Read the recipe here
Gooseberry ice cream and tuiles
Gooseberries are bang in season at the moment, and Greenwood also has a recipe for a no-churn icream made with this fruit. You'll be making your own fancy tuiles if you follow this recipe to the letter, but they are a fancy flourish rather than an essential. Read the recipe here
Summer-berry ice cream
Summer berries, at their peak right now, meet condensed milk for a rich and creamy ice cream created by pastry chef Shane Smith. Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries for a chunky, fruit-filled ice. Read the recipe here
Pink-lemonade ice cream
If you prefer the lightness of an ice lolly over the indulgence of ice cream, try Shane Smith's pink lemonade ice lollies, made with tonic water for an adult twist on a classic taste (or soda water if you prefer). Read the recipe here
No-churn coffee ice cream
A four ingredient recipe that tells you to "Mix everything together and freeze in plastic container. Yes that is it." Sounds ideal for these hot and humid days. Domini Kemp's no-churn coffee ice cream is an homage to a Nigella classic. Read the recipe here
Peach Melba semifreddo
If you plan on spending a little more time in the kitchen to creat a weekend treat from the freezer her are two more fancy options. Lilly Higgins's peach Melba semifreddo is her take on an Italian classic. Read the recipe here
Coconut and lime ice cream
For a tropical twist, try Vanessa Greenwood's chargrilled pineapple (handy if you're already planning to barbecue), with coconut and lime ice cream. Read the recipe here
Three ice-cream sandwiches
Finally, if you want to get the kids involved, upgrade your ice-cream sandwich skills with these three variations from Aoife Noonan, Jess Murphy and Vanessa Greenwood. And chill, baby.
Recipe: Mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich bars
Recipe: Peach ripple ice cream sandwiches
Recipe: Chocolate and vanilla ice cream sandwiches
