Homemade Ice Cream

[Clodfobble]

We own an ice cream maker, but I've always considered it a huge hassle--why not just go buy a gallon, it's cheaper and easier! But all summer I have been waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Blue Bell to release their annual Cantaloupes-n-Cream flavor (the most awesome and amazing ice cream flavor EVER,) so I can stock up for the rest of the year. And it hasn't shown up on the shelves yet. I'm starting to worry that they're not going to make it anymore.

Finally the other day I remembered that appliance at the back of the cabinet, and realized that I could make my own (obviously inferior) version to tide me over while I waited. Sherbets are easier than ice creams, so this afternoon I made cantaloupe sherbet.

Oh. My. God.

It was not inferior. It turned out perfectly. I could have been making this for myself all year!! Well now I know. And I have no doubt that with a little experimentation I could perfect an ice cream version too. I suspect I'll be using my ice cream maker quite regularly in the future. I'll probably still occasionally buy other ice cream flavors for variety, but Blue Bell just lost a big portion of their Austin sales.

Anyone else have an ice cream maker? I'm especially interested in other non-traditional flavor combinations.