How to Make Ice Cream

Thermodynamics made tasty

Did you know that there are many different ways to make ice cream without having to chase the always too fast truck around your block? Well it all comes down to thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is the study of heat, or lack thereof. Ice cream is nothing more than cream (stuff that floats to the top when making cheese) that has a little extra flavoring added that is then chilled almost to the point of being frozen. Making ice cream isn’t rocket science; just a few simple steps and you will be on your way to never having to chase a truck again.

The reason thermodynamics come into play is because when something is cooled it is loosing heat that it normally radiates. Think of a sidewalk that is out in the sun all day, it stays warm long into the night and radiates heat outward. Also think of a refrigerator, the heat that you feel coming out the bottom is from the food inside, as heat is taken away from the food it cools off. Ice cream is the same way once it is cooled, cream is a liquid at room temperature and therefore needs to loose some heat to become ice cream.

If you have any questions regarding the making of ice cream check out http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/thermo/ice_cream/ice_cream.html. There you will find very helpful pictures and a play by play run down of how to make your very own ice cream without an ice cream maker.