This "Ice Cream Bar" post came about because of all the leftover nuts we had hanging around from the holidays. We love fresh nuts for the holidays and being from Canada, of course maple syrup and bacon!  So this flavour (which was actually our first try at the marble slab idea) is nothing new but at the same time, a little twist on a classic.  Also, it's something we've never thought of doing from scratch before.  Maybe we're not alone? The result is a really authentic flavour and now we know we'll never go back to the store bought version again.







To make the ice cream from scratch (or use your favourite vanilla ice cream):

Vanilla Ice Cream
(Adapted from the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Instruction/Recipe Booklet)
This is one of our favorite ice cream recipes. A little simpler than the custard-style, but still packed with a creamy base and lots of flavour! We also make ours lactose-free but you can make it using regular milk of course!
1 cup 1% Lactose-free milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
2 cups of Lactose-free heavy cream
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract


24 hours before you wish to make your ice cream. Place the freezer bowl in freezer. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed or whisk to combine the milk, sugar and salt until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla (and optional food colouring). Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.

Turn on the ice cream maker first (very important), and then pour the mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving. For this recipe, we wanted a harder ice cream so froze the ice cream for a few hours.

Mix in the flavouring for each serving

3 fresh walnuts
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 strip of crisp fried bacon (chopped) - also optional
3 scoops of vanilla ice cream

Crush the walnuts and crisp bacon a bit in the mortar and pestle till desired size. Place the marble slab in the freezer tilled cooled.  Pull out the marble slab and scoop the ice cream onto it.  Add the walnuts, bacon and drizzle the maple syrup over top.  Quickly mix together using a hand spatula and spoon. Scoop up and serve on a waffle cone or bowl!

Another version of course is just to use the walnuts, bacon and syrup as toppings (of course)! But the marble slab version is just so much fun! If you're entertaining, set up an ice cream bar and have each person make their own!