The Ice Cream Base from Heaven

I prefer making sweet things. Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and, when I'm feeling really indulgent, ice cream. But you can't have a good peanut-butter banana or brown-sugar ice cream without a solid base. And that's where Ben & Jerry come in, with their wonderful book.

This is my ice-cream base bible. They have great recipes, too, but ice cream is something you can get creative with, so it's a rare occasion that I follow the actual recipes. I would advise you to do the same, once you're comfortable enough with it.

Anyway, here's the base that I swear by:

• 2 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Milk

First, you want to whisk those eggs until they're pale and fluffy and gorgeous. Then, slowly whisk in the sugar. You'll end up with this decadently pale and creamy concoction. Then, whisk in the cream and milk, carefully, so as not to splash this glorious soup all over your prep area.

That's it. That's the ice cream base. No cooking necessary. I mean, you might have to cook or melt the things you decide to add to it, but the base couldn't be any simpler.

Try it. Please. Just make sure you have room in your freezer and ice cream maker or large tub that fits in your freezer, and don't mind running an extra mile or two of five to work off the incredibly bad for you ice cream you'll never stop eating.