Mexican vanilla is a staple flavor at Amy's Ice Cream, a beloved Austin-based ice cream shop known for its unique and delicious concoctions. While the exact recipe for their Mexican vanilla ice cream is a closely guarded secret, the shop's founder, Amy Simmons, has shared some tips and tricks for creating a similar flavor at home. In this article, we'll dive into the history of Mexican vanilla and how to make a perfect batch of Amy's Ice Cream style Mexican vanilla at home.
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Blanched Almonds, Cinnamon
Mexican horchata is a traditional drink made from rice, cinnamon, and sugar. It is creamy, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. Making your own horchata at home is surprisingly easy and only requires a few ingredients. Here's how to make creamy Mexican horchata in just a few simple steps.
Mexican wedding cakes, also known as polvorones, are delicious buttery cookies with a delicate crumb and a hint of sweetness. These cookies are a staple at Mexican weddings and celebrations, but they are also perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can make these melt-in-your-mouth treats at home.
Mexican chocolate ice cream is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla. It's the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. This creamy and decadent ice cream will quickly become a family favorite.
4of 20
Horchata Mexican Drink
Main Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Cinnamon Sticks, Water, Milk, Vanilla
Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink that is made from rice, cinnamon, and sugar. It's a refreshing and creamy beverage that is perfect for hot summer days. While horchata is typically served as a drink, it can also be used in various recipes, such as horchata ice cream or horchata cocktails.
Flan is a classic Mexican dessert that is loved all over the world. It's a rich and creamy custard that is typically topped with caramel sauce. Flan is surprisingly easy to make at home and only requires a few ingredients. It's the perfect dessert to impress your guests at your next dinner party.
Main Ingredients: Long Grain Rice, Water, Cinnamon Sticks, White Sugar
Horchata is a delicious and refreshing rice and cinnamon drink that is popular in Mexico. It's perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day, and it's also a great alternative to sugary drinks. With just a few ingredients, you can make this delicious drink at home and enjoy it anytime.
While there are many variations of horchata, traditional Mexican horchata is made from rice, cinnamon, and sugar. It's a creamy and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a classic and will give you the perfect balance of flavors that make horchata so beloved.
8of 20
Mexican Baked Strawberry Empanadas
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cornstarch, Water, Butter, Vanilla
Empanadas are a popular Mexican dessert that are essentially turnovers filled with a sweet or savory filling. These sweet and tangy strawberry empanadas are perfect for a summer barbecue or as a fun treat for the family. With a flaky crust and a delicious strawberry filling, these empanadas are sure to be a hit.
If you're a coffee lover, you need to try this delicious and indulgent Mexican mocha. This coffee drink combines the flavors of chocolate and cinnamon for a rich and flavorful beverage. It's the perfect way to start your day or as a pick-me-up in the afternoon.
10of 20
Mexican Chocolate Cake
Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Granulated Sugar, Flour, Cocoa Powder
Chocolate cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. This Mexican chocolate cake takes it to the next level with the addition of cinnamon and a touch of chili powder. The result is a rich and decadent cake with a hint of spice that will leave you wanting more.
Buñuelos are a traditional Mexican dessert that are essentially fried dough fritters. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are typically sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. These fritters are perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for the family.
If you love chocolate, you need to try this Mexican chocolate mousse pie. It's a rich and creamy dessert with layers of chocolate mousse and a crunchy graham cracker crust. The addition of cinnamon and chili powder gives this dessert a unique and delicious flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Flan cake, also known as chocoflan, is a popular dessert in Mexico that combines the flavors of flan and chocolate cake. The result is a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to impress your guests. This dessert may seem intimidating, but it's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Horchata is a delicious and refreshing drink that is enjoyed all over Mexico. It's made from rice, cinnamon, and sugar, and it's perfect for hot summer days. This homemade horchata recipe is easy to make and will give you the perfect balance of flavors that make this drink so beloved.
Caramel flan is a classic Mexican dessert that is loved all over the world. It's a rich and creamy custard topped with a layer of caramel. This dessert may seem fancy, but it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Impress your guests with this delicious and elegant dessert.
Hot chocolate is a beloved drink all over the world, but in Mexico, it's taken to the next level with the addition of cinnamon and chili powder. This Mexican hot chocolate is rich, creamy, and has a subtle kick of spice that will warm you up from the inside out.
17of 20
Peach Ice Cream
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Maple Syrup, Whole Milk, Whipping Cream
If you're a fan of peaches, you need to try this delicious and creamy peach ice cream. It's the perfect treat for a hot summer day and can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients. This ice cream is bursting with peach flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
This creamy Mexican flan is a twist on the classic dessert, with the addition of cream cheese for a richer and creamier texture. It's a simple and delicious dessert that can be made in advance and is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch.
Brownies are a classic dessert that is loved by many, and these Mexican chocolate brownies take them to the next level. With the addition of cinnamon and chili powder, these brownies have a unique and delicious flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.
Truffles are a decadent and indulgent treat, and these Mexican chocolate truffles are no exception. Made with dark chocolate, cinnamon, and chili powder, these truffles have a rich and complex flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover. They also make for a beautiful and impressive gift.
The History of Mexican Vanilla
The Origin of Vanilla
Vanilla, a flavor derived from the vanilla bean, has been used for centuries in various forms such as in baking, perfumes, and medicines. The vanilla bean comes from the vanilla orchid, which is native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs were the first to cultivate vanilla and use it in a drink called "xoco-latl," which means "bitter water." When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they were introduced to vanilla and brought it back to Europe, where it quickly became popular. Today, Mexico remains one of the top producers of vanilla in the world.
The Difference Between Mexican and Madagascan Vanilla
While there are various types of vanilla, the two most commonly used are Mexican and Madagascan vanilla. Mexican vanilla is characterized by its rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor, while Madagascan vanilla is known for its floral and fruity notes. Mexican vanilla also has a darker color and a thicker consistency compared to Madagascan vanilla. Many ice cream shops, including Amy's, use Mexican vanilla for its unique and bold flavor profile.
Making Amy's Ice Cream Mexican Vanilla at Home
The Secret Ingredient
The key to achieving a similar flavor to Amy's Ice Cream's Mexican vanilla is to use high-quality Mexican vanilla extract. While there are several brands available in stores, Amy recommends using Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract. This extract is made from premium vanilla beans grown in Mexico and has a rich and full-bodied flavor.
The Recipe
To make Amy's Ice Cream Mexican vanilla at home, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract
- A pinch of salt
To make the ice cream, follow these steps:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Customize Your Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream
While the basic recipe above will yield delicious Mexican vanilla ice cream, you can also add your own twist to make it unique. Some popular additions include crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. Get creative and experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to create your own signature flavor.
In conclusion, Mexican vanilla has a rich history and a unique flavor profile that has made it a sought-after ingredient in ice cream making. With the help of high-quality Mexican vanilla extract and a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the delicious Mexican vanilla ice cream from Amy's Ice Cream in the comfort of your own home. So why not give it a try and indulge in a scoop (or two) of this beloved flavor?
