Carnivore Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re following a strict carnivore diet and craving a sweet, creamy dessert, look no further! This carnivore ice cream recipe is rich, satisfying, and made with only animal-based ingredients—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something cold and indulgent, but still on track with your carnivore lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream (full-fat, unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup beef tallow (or pork lard for a more neutral flavor)
• 4 egg yolks (preferably from pasture-raised eggs)
• 1/4 cup powdered beef gelatin (helps with texture and consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
• Sweetener of choice (optional): You can use a small amount of powdered erythritol or allulose to sweeten, though many carnivores prefer to leave it unsweetened for a more authentic, meaty taste. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Ice cream maker (optional but preferred)
• Freezer-safe container for storing ice cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gelatin:
   Start by dissolving the powdered beef gelatin in a small amount of cold water. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of water for this. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom and absorb the liquid. This step is essential to create a creamy and smooth texture for your ice cream.

2. Heat the Cream and Tallow:
   In a medium saucepan, add the heavy cream and beef tallow (or pork lard). Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tallow has melted completely and the mixture is warm, but not boiling. If you prefer a slightly sweeter ice cream, add the sweetener of your choice at this stage. Stir until dissolved. If you’re adding vanilla extract, you can do this as well.

3. Temper the Egg Yolks:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream and tallow mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This gradual mixing is called tempering, and it prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once the eggs are warmed up, you can slowly whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture.

4. Thicken the Custard:
   Over low heat, cook the custard (the egg and cream mixture), stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk. This will slowly thicken the mixture and create a custard-like consistency. It’s important to cook it slowly to avoid curdling the eggs. Once the custard coats the back of a spoon and reaches a thick, smooth texture, remove it from the heat. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.

5. Add the Gelatin:
   After removing the custard from the heat, whisk in the bloomed beef gelatin. Make sure it’s completely dissolved. The gelatin will help give your ice cream a smooth texture and improve its consistency when frozen.

6. Cool the Mixture:
   Let the custard cool down to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until it’s chilled. This step is crucial because it ensures that the ice cream base will freeze evenly and smoothly.

7. Churn the Ice Cream:
   Once the custard has cooled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 20-30 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can place the mixture in a freezer-safe container and stir it every 30 minutes for the first few hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.

8. Freeze:
   Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.

Serving and Enjoying:

• Once frozen, scoop out your creamy carnivore ice cream into bowls or cones. You can top it with a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast or even drizzle with more beef tallow if you want an extra indulgent touch.

Tips and Variations:

• Texture: If you want an even smoother ice cream, you can add more gelatin, but be careful not to overdo it as it can create a rubbery texture.
• Flavor Variations: While vanilla extract is the only non-animal ingredient commonly used, you can experiment with other carnivore-friendly additions like rendered bone marrow for a different flavor profile or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist (if you include plant-based foods occasionally).

This ice cream is rich and full of healthy fats, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying true to your carnivore diet. Enjoy a creamy treat that complements your animal-based lifestyle!