The thought of homemade ice cream brings back a flood of childhood memories, running around with friends from sunup to sundown during summer break. Plus, as the weather heats up outside, these refreshing evening treats sound more and more appealing! Since June is National Dairy Month, we decided there is no better way to show our appreciation than to whip up a batch of cold, refreshing homemade ice cream.

The question is, how do you mix up a batch of ice cream that is smooth and creamy without loading it with sugar and extra calories? Well, we’ve got the answer for you with this healthy twist on traditional homemade vanilla ice cream.

Low-Calorie Vanilla Ice Cream

1 tbsp. water

1 1/2 tsp. unflavored gelatin

3 cups 1% low-fat milk

2 tsp. vanilla

3 egg yolks

1 14-ounce can non-fat sweetened condensed milk

• Put water in a small bowl and sprinkle with the gelatin; let stand, stirring once, while you make the ice cream mixture.
• Pour 1 1/2 cups milk into a large saucepan. Add vanilla
• Heat the milk and vanilla mixture over medium heat until steaming.
• Whisk egg yolks and condensed milk in a medium bowl. Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking until blended. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not boil or the custard mixture will curdle.
• Strain the custard through a soft clean tea towel into a bowl. Add the gelatin and water mixture and whisk until dissolved. Whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
• Stir until blended well, churn in your ice cream freezer.
• Makes approximately 2 quarts

The key for loading this recipe with flavor is fresh fruit. If you want all of the ice cream to have the same flavors infused throughout, grind your favorite fruit lightly and mix in before churning in the ice cream freezer.  To provide a number of flavors for everyone to choose from, add some whole fruit pieces to the top after you’ve already dished up your ice cream.

It’s always important to remember that eating healthy doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of all your favorite foods. By choosing lower-fat options you can still fit the foods you love into your diet and enjoy them in moderation.