How to Make Bug-Out-Bag Ice Cream

You’ve spent your entire life thinking ice cream was just a fun treat.

 

GOOD NEWS! All this time it’s actually been something you really NEED…

 

This is especially true in an emergency, where ice cream can bring a level of comfort, familiarity, and normalcy that makes things A LOT easier.

 

Today we’re going to show you how to make ice cream in an emergency—even when the power’s out or you’re on the run.

Here are the two methods we prefer:

There’s a lot to like about this first method: it’s a true grab-and-go recipe. It requires just a few very common ingredients and can be prepared basically anywhere, at a moment’s notice. 

The only drawback is that the recipe does require ice, so if you’re in a complete power-down scenario, you may be out of luck.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Cup half-and-half (if available) or 1 Cup powdered milk, prepared
• 2 Tbsp long-shelf-life sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 small resealable plastic bag
• 1 large resealable plastic bag
• 1/3 Cup long-shelf-life salt
• 3 Cups ice

DIRECTIONS

Step 1 – Pour 1 Cup of half-and-half, 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract into a small resealable plastic bag. Eliminate the excess air from the bag, then seal.

Step 2 – Pour 3 Cups of ice and 1/3 Cup of kosher salt into another, larger resealable plastic bag.

Step 3 – Insert the smaller bag into the larger bag, seal, and shake for 7 to 10 minutes (or until the ice cream mixture has hardened).

Enjoy! – Open the larger bag, remove the smaller bag, then open the smaller bag. Add toppings if desired, like chocolate syrup or sprinkles 

This make-it-yourself ice cream takes a total of 15 minutes to make and it’s easy enough that anyone can give it a try. You don’t need an ice cream machine or any special tools. Apart from finding ice, you don’t even need electricity to make it!

Not only is this a delightful dessert for the whole family, putting it all together is a fun activity. Get everyone involved! Make the “shaking” part a game. Run around, jump over obstacles—any kind of movement to keep the bag (and the little ones) moving.

RELATED READ: Make Your Own Yogurt & Cream Cheese Using Powdered Milk

Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

If you have a freeze-drying machine of your own at home, you can freeze dry your favorite ice cream and then pack it in your bag for safe keeping. If it’s in dark, cool environment with the oxygen removed, it can last a surprisingly long time.

Here’s how to make it:

Pull out your choice of silicone molds. You can use a cupcake or muffin tray (standard or mini sizes) for round scoops of ice cream, or you can use an ice cube tray for square scoops. Either way, silicone is best to allow for flexibility in your freezer and for removing the ice cream from the molds.

Choose your favorite ice cream. Use an ice cream scoop to transfer the ice cream into the silicone mold. Fill each mold completely and pack tightly.

Freeze your silicone mold by placing it into your freezer. Let it freeze for 24 hours, until frozen solid.

After 24 hours, remove the silicone mold from the freezer. Place the frozen ice cream onto your freeze-drying tray and slip it into your freeze-drying machine. 

In roughly 10 hours, you’ll have freeze-dried ice cream that will last up to 3 years!

Though it will have a different texture, your freeze-dried ice cream will have the same sweet and sugary taste you’ve loved since childhood. Crunching on it during crisis will lift your spirits—and your kids’ spirits, too!

You can also freeze-dry other ice cream treats you enjoy, like ice cream sandwiches.