Creamy and Dreamy Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:
– 2 cups of heavy cream 
– 1 cup of whole milk 
– 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 
– Pinch of salt 
– 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped 
– 6 large egg yolks 
– 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract 

Directions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, and the vanilla bean (both the seeds and the pod). Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to steam, but not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are slightly thickened. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove the vanilla bean pod and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
6. Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up before serving.

Tips:
– For an extra decadent treat, fold in your favorite mix-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit before freezing.
– Make sure to use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in your ice cream.

Prep time: 30 minutes (+ chilling and freezing time)
Calories: Approximately 250 per serving (serving size: 1/2 cup)