Lunch: Vanilla Ice Cream

You don't need an ice-cream maker to whip up this old-fashioned dessert. Try our delicious variations -- Rocky Road, Cherries Jubilee, Key Lime, Cappuccino, Chunky Candy, and Toasted Coconut -- all easy, one-pan recipes.

Ingredients

1 can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
3/4 c. low-fat (1 %) milk
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
2 c. heavy or whipping cream

Instructions

In large bowl, with wire whisk, mix condensed milk, low-fat milk, and vanilla until blended.
In another large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat cream until stiff peaks form. With rubber spatula, fold whipped cream into milk mixture until blended. Spoon mixture into 9-inch by 9-inch metal baking pan or glass baking dish or 2 1/2-quart metal or glass bowl; cover with foil and freeze 2 hours.
After 2 hours, stir partially frozen ice-cream mixture to evenly distribute frozen edges with not-yet-frozen center. Cover and return pan to freezer until ice cream is firm, about 3 hours longer or overnight.
To serve, let ice cream stand at room temperature 10 to 15 minutes for easier scooping. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 240 calories, 4 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate, 15 g total fat (9 g saturated), 0 g fiber, 58 mg cholesterol, 55 mg sodium.
Rocky Road: Prepare Vanilla Ice Cream as above, but in step one, add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa to milk mixture. In step three, stir in 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup semisweet-chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts, chopped. Makes about 8 cups. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 255 calories, 5 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate, 15 g total fat (8 g saturated), 1 g fiber, 44 mg cholesterol, 85 mg sodium.
Cherries Jubilee: Prepare Vanilla Ice Cream as above, but in step one, substitute 1 teaspoon almond extract for vanilla and add 2 tablespoons brandy if you like. In step three, stir in 1 can (16 ounces) pitted dark sweet cherries in extra-heavy syrup, drained and each cut in half. Makes about 6 1/2 cups. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 245 calories, 4 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate, 14 g total fat (9 g saturated), 0 g fiber, 54 mg cholesterol, 55 mg sodium.
Key Lime: Prepare Vanilla Ice Cream as above, but in step one, substitute 2 teaspoons freshly grated lime peel and 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from four limes) for vanilla. Makes about 6 1/2 cups. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 220 calories, 4 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 14 g total fat (9 g saturated), 0 g fiber, 54 mg cholesterol, 50 mg sodium.
Cappuccino: In cup, dissolve 3 tablespoons instant espresso-coffee powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in 1 tablespoon hot water. Prepare Vanilla Ice Cream as above, but in step one, add espresso mixture to milk mixture. Makes about 6 cups. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 245 calories, 4 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate, 15 g total fat (9 g saturated), 0 g fiber, 58 mg cholesterol, 55 mg sodium.
Chunky Candy Prepare Vanilla Ice Cream as above, but in step three, stir in 8 ounces favorite candy bars or malted milk balls, chopped (about 2 cups). Makes about 7 cups. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 285 calories, 5 g protein, 29 g carbohydrate, 17 g total fat (9 g saturated), 0 g fiber, 53 mg cholesterol, 95 mg sodium.
Toasted Coconut Prepare Vanilla Ice Cream as above, but in step three, stir in 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted. Makes about 7 cups. Nutrition Information Each 1/2 cup: About 230 calories, 4 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 15 g total fat (10 g saturated), 0 g fiber, 50 mg cholesterol, 50 mg sodium.