Freeze the Fun: Alabama Granny Shares 3 Cool Ice Cream Recipes for Hot Summer Nights!

A beloved Alabama grandmother unveils her secrets to beating the summer heat with creamy, homemade ice cream. 🌐 #News #BirminghamAL #Alabama #Food

BIRMINGHAM, AL — In the peaceful countryside outside of Birmingham, Alabama, Eleanor Billingsly has spent decades perfecting the art of homemade ice cream. Known to her family and neighbors as “Granny Ellie,” this 78-year-old has a knack for turning simple ingredients into frozen delights that cool even the hottest summer nights.

Her recipes, passed down through generations and tweaked with her own flair, showcase Southern ingenuity and love for gathering loved ones around a sweet treat. With fireflies flickering and the Alabama air thick with humidity, Granny Ellie’s ice cream is a staple at every porch party and family barbecue.

Why Homemade Ice Cream?

For Eleanor, store-bought ice cream can’t hold a candle to the creamy texture and bold flavors of a churned batch made at home. “It’s not just about the taste,” she says, her eyes twinkling. “It’s about the memories you make while the churn hums and everyone’s waiting for that first scoop.”

Her recipes don’t require fancy equipment—just a basic ice cream maker, a few pantry staples, and a willingness to experiment. Below, Granny Ellie shares three of her favorite recipes, each designed to bring a chill to those sweltering Alabama evenings.

Recipe 1: Classic Vanilla Bean Dream

This timeless vanilla ice cream is Eleanor’s go-to for its versatility—perfect on its own or paired with peach cobbler.  

Ingredients  

• 2 cups heavy cream  
• 1 cup whole milk  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar  
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)  
• Pinch of salt

Instructions  

• In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (do not boil).  
• Remove from heat and add vanilla bean seeds (or extract); let steep for 15 minutes.  
• Remove vanilla bean pod (if used), cover, and chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  
• Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-30 minutes.  
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.  
• Serve in bowls or cones, and enjoy the creamy simplicity.

Pro Tip from Granny Ellie: “Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a Southern twist!”

Recipe 2: Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl

For chocolate lovers, this rich, nutty ice cream is a crowd-pleaser at Eleanor’s family gatherings.  

Ingredients  

• 2 cups heavy cream  
• 1 cup whole milk  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar  
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder  
• Pinch of salt  
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions  

• In a saucepan, whisk together cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat until smooth and sugar dissolves.  
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and chill mixture in the refrigerator for 2 hours.  
• Churn in an ice cream maker for 20-30 minutes until thickened.  
• During the last 5 minutes of churning, slowly drizzle in peanut butter through the opening to create swirls.  
• Transfer to a container and freeze for 1-2 hours before serving.  
• Scoop into bowls and garnish with crushed peanuts, if desired.

Pro Tip from Granny Ellie: “Warm the peanut butter slightly for easier swirling—it makes all the difference.”  

Recipe 3: Fresh Peach Paradise

Using Alabama’s juicy summer peaches, this recipe captures the essence of Eleanor’s childhood summers.  

Ingredients  

• 2 cups heavy cream  
• 1 cup whole milk  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar  
• 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and pureed (about 3-4 medium peaches)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract  
• Pinch of salt

Instructions  

• In a bowl, mix peach puree with lemon juice and set aside.  
• In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.  
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and chill mixture for 2 hours.  
• Combine chilled cream mixture with peach puree, then pour into an ice cream maker.  
• Churn for 20-30 minutes until soft-serve consistency is reached.  
• Freeze in a container for 1-2 hours for a scoopable texture.  
• Serve with a slice of fresh peach for extra flair.

Pro Tip from Granny Ellie: “If peaches aren’t in season, canned ones work, but drain the syrup well!”  

Bringing People Together

For Eleanor Billingsly, ice cream is more than a dessert—it’s a way to connect. Whether it’s her grandkids licking spoons or neighbors sharing stories over a bowl, her recipes spark joy and togetherness.

As Alabama’s summer heat lingers, Granny Ellie’s creations offer a delicious escape, one scoop at a time. Try these recipes, and let the hum of the ice cream maker bring a little of her Birmingham magic to your own summer nights.