Blue Ridge Design Studios
Family Fun in the Garden
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Original Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker
Looking at this cool, space aged blue plastic ball, you might think that Ice Cream making has been taken to a new high-tech level. You would be wrong, although the ball does look totally cool. This is the same ice cream making system that people have been using for years. What the ball design does is ramp up the fun and family involvement in the process.
Just fill up the canister with ice and salt, then add the cream and flavoring to the ball and start playing. The idea is to get everything shaking, so parents and kids are encouraged to throw, kick, pass and jiggle the ball around.
Well made, to withstand the abuse that is deliberately inflicted on it, the highly anticipated results are evident when you unscrew the top and start digging in.
One-year warranty on
manufacturing defects
Recommended Age: 5 and Up
Seal of Approval Winner Holiday '07
Original Ball $29.95 + $12.00 S&H Mega Ball $39.95 + $12.00 S&H [ To Purchase ]
Using Your Play & Freeze Ice Cream Maker
Here's the scoop!
With the unique Play & Freeze™ Ice Cream Maker, you can make ice cream anywhere! You don’t need electricity, just add ice and rock salt in one end and ice cream mix in the other end–then have a ball as you shake it, pass it or roll it!
The ice cream mix can be as simple as cream, sugar and vanilla. Try flavors from our recipe list included or make up your own.
Made of durable materials, it’s lightweight, portable and easy to clean. It’s ideal for Camping, Boating, Picnics, Parties, Travel or anywhere!
 1.
Fill the ice end with as much ice as possible, then add 1/2 cup of rock
salt.(MEGA: Add 3/4 cup of rock salt). The lid should be hand tightened - do not use the wrench! |
 2.
Mix up your ice cream ingredients in a container, then pour mix into the end
with the metal cylinder, leaving about an inch for expansion at the top.
Hand tighten the lid.
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 3
Have a ball! Shake, roll and pass it around as you mix and
freeze the ingredients. Its not necessary to shake the ball...just motion
will do it! |
 4.
After about 10 minutes (15 for the MEGA ball) open
the ice cream end using the included plastic wrench. Scrape the sides of
the cylinder to mix up the ice cream using a plastic or wooden spoon (don’t
use a metal spoon as it will scratch the cylinder). Then check the ice end.
Pour out the excess water and add more ice and up to 1/3 cup more rock salt
to enhance the freezing ability. Close the lids securely and continue having
a ball for approximately 5–10 more minutes. (15 for MEGA)
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 5.
You now have about a pint (or quart for the MEGA ball)
of delicious soft-serve ice cream. The consistency will vary based on the
ice, your mix, the outside temperature, shaking frequency, etc. Once the ice
cream is to the consistency of your liking, gently scoop it out and Enjoy!
|
6.
Important tips for using your Play & Freeze™ Ice Cream Maker:
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Original Ball $29.95 +
$12.00 S&H Mega Ball $39.95 +
$12.00 S&H
[ To Purchase ]
Play & Freeze™ Ice Cream Maker FAQ
Q: What is the plastic tool that comes with my Ice
Cream Ball used for?
A: When making ice cream, the ball gets cold and the plastic expands, making
the end cap more difficult to open. This unique plastic tool works like a
wrench to make it easier to loosen the end cap. DO NOT use the wrench to
tighten the end cap; normal hand tightening is sufficient.
Q: What are the differences between the Original and
MEGA Play & Freeze?
A: Please refer to this helpful chart:
| Compare | Original | Mega |
| Weight When Empty | 2 lbs. | 3 lbs. |
| Weight When Full | 7 lbs. | 9-10 lbs. |
| Ice Cream Capacity | 1 Pint = 16 fl. oz. | 1 Quart = 32 fl. oz. |
| Approximate Prep Time | 20 min. | 30 min. with cream, 35 in. with half & half |
Q: I want the ball for my children. Which one is best for me?
A: We recommend that either Ice Cream Ball be used under the supervision of an adult. Clearly the original ball is easier for smaller children to handle, whereas the MEGA is better with older children. Either ball can be used safely by a family and all ages can enjoy having a ball (moving the ball around) and the wonderful ice cream at the end!
Q: What is most important to making good ice cream?
A: First of all, using quality ingredients is very important. For example, using
cream instead of half-and-half makes a richer ice cream. The mixing step is also
important to getting a good consistency. For a better consistency, open the ball
after 10 minutes (15 for MEGA)and use a plasic or wood spoon to
mix the harder ice cream (away from the can) with the soupier cream in the
middle. Also, leave about an inch of space at the top of the can for expansion.
Q: The recipes call for "half-and-half" or "cream". What should I use?
A: Worldwide there are an incredible variety of milk and cream products. A few of them are listed below in order of increasing levels of butterfat. In general, the milks and light creams at the top of the list will give a lighter ice cream while the heavy creams at the bottom will give a creamier ice cream (we love the taste of those heavy creams!). Also, expect to spend a little longer playing and freezing with the products at the top of the list (25-30 minutes) versus the ones at the bottom (15-20 minutes).
 | milk |
| half-and-half |
| half cream |
| single cream |
| light cream |
| table cream |
| coffee cream |
| medium cream |
| light whipping cream |
| whipping cream |
| heavy cream |
| heavy whipping cream |
| double cream |
Q: Where can I get Rock Salt?
A: Rock salt is sold in most supermarkets in the salt/spice section (typically
on the bottom shelf). Morton makes a 4 lb box that is less than $2 that will
make many batches of ice cream. If your supermarket doesn’t have rock salt, try
another supermarket. Sometimes they are sold out. Walmart Food Stores also
carry rock salt.
Q: Can I use anything else besides rock salt to make
Ice Cream?
A: We have heard from customers that other salts such as sea salt and kosher
salt will work. We recommend that you use rock salt first and if you
cannot find rock salt, use a larger amount of another type of salt than the
traditional recipe calls for. We DO NOT recommend using calcium chloride
(used to melt driveway snow) in your Play & Freeze™.
Q: Can I make low-fat ice cream in my Play & Freeze?
A: You can use any variety of milk in your Play & Freeze. Whole milk or low fat
milk takes longer to freeze so you may have to play with the Ice Cream Ball for
20-30 minutes to make Ice Cream with the desired consistency.
Q: What kind of ice should I use?
A: Most kinds of ice cubes are fine. If there is a choice, pick smaller cubes.
Some very large cubes may have trouble fitting into the opening of the ball.
Crushed ice does not work as well as cubes for making ice cream.
Q: How do I clean my Play & Freeze™?
A: We recommend hand washing the can end of your Play & Freeze™ using soap and
warm water. It is also important to make sure and rinse the ice/salt side of the
ball to remove the salt residue from the insides. Using warm water or soap and
water is best for this.
Q: Can I throw or kick my Play & Freeze™?
A: We recommend you shake, rattle and roll the Ice Cream Ball. It’s fine to pass
it back and forth and even bowl with it. When the Play & Freeze™ is filled with
its ingredients, it is heavy and could be damaged or hurt someone if thrown or
dropped . It is not intended to be kicked so be careful. We don’t want you to
hurt a toe in the process.
Q: What should I use to mix my ice cream?
A: We recommend a hard plastic spoon or a wooden spoon for mixing the ice cream.
Metal can scratch the aluminum and is not recommended. Even a harder spatula is
fine. Best results are obtained when you use an up and down motion along
the can to remove the harder ice cream and mix it with the soupier ice cream in
the middle.
Q: Where can I find more great ice cream recipes?
A: The link to more recipes is on our Home made Ice Cream Recipes page. Be
creative and come up with your own special flavors using the basic recipe as a
starter (1 pt half-and-half and 1/3 cup sugar plus 2 tbsp's of ?)
Q: I can’t get the top off. What should I do?
A: First use the plastic wrench tool that came with your ball to try and gently
but firmly remove the top. It’s stored in the aluminum can when your ball is
new. If you don’t have the wrench, wait until the ball comes to room temperature
and it should be easier to remove. If this does not work and you must use pliers
to twist the cap off, place a towel between the pliers and the plastic cap to
prevent it from cracking the plastic. DO NOT use the wrench to tighten the cap.
It only needs to be hand tight.
Don’t just settle for 31 flavors!
Try these Delicious Recipes for the Original Ball!
| Original Ball makes 1 Pint |
Try flavors from our recipe list or make up your own unlimited flavors! Great for making frozen fruit slushies and iced drinks such as Margaritas.
Basic Vanilla Ice Cream
1 pint of Half & Half*
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
*Using whole cream makes a richer creamier ice cream. Using part milk and half and half makes a lighter ice cream, but takes longer to freeze.
Yield: about a pint of smooth and creamy ice cream.
Variations (add to vanilla recipe)
Butter Pecan
Beat softened or melted butter (1 tablespoon) in with 2 tbs cream and sugar
until completely blended. Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans (plain or roasted).
Chocolate Chip
Add 1/3 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate.
Coffee
Increase sugar to ½ cup. Dissolve 1 ½ tablespoons instant coffee in smallest
amount of very warm water. Add to base.
Cookies And Cream
Add ½ cup (about 8) crumbled chocolate cookies.
Egg Nog
Add 1 tablespoon brandy and 1 tablespoon rum. Dash nutmeg!
Frozen Yogurt
Place 2 cups of flavored or fruited yogurt into the metal cylinder, then PLAY
AND FREEZE™ to the consistency you desire. Plain yogurt can also be used, just
add 1/3 cup of sugar or 1 cup of honey. Fruit may be added instead of sweetener
especially fruits canned in their own juices.
Fruit Sorbet
Pour 1 pint of fresh juice into a container, add sugar to taste, and mix well.
Pour into metal cylinder, PLAY AND FREEZE™ to the consistency you desire.
Grasshopper
Add 2 tablespoons crème de menthe and 1/3 cup (about6) crumbled chocolate
cookies (sandwich or wafer type).
Hot Cocoa Ice Cream
Mix 2 to 3 packets of hot cocoa mix with half and half in a container. Shake
well, add to metal cylinder, PLAY AND FREEZE™.
Juice Slush
Pour 1 pint of sweetened or unsweetened juice or a combination of juices into
the metal cylinder, and PLAY AND FREEZE™ to the consistency you desire.
Kahlua And Cream
Add 4 tablespoons Kahlua mid-way through freezing.
Macaroon
Crumble about 5 macaroons into cream mixture. Optional: add ¼ teaspoon almond
extract; macaroon may be soaked in sherry (about ¼ cup) before adding.
Milk and Jam
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your favorite jam to the milk in a container, shake
well. Pour into metal cylinder then PLAY AND FREEZE. Enjoy raspberry, strawberry
etc. ice cream.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Add ¼ teaspoon mint extract and ¼ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (or shaved
chocolate). Optional: add a few drops of green food coloring.
Peanut Brittle
Add ½ cup crushed peanut brittle.
Peppermint
Add ¼ cup crushed peppermint candy. Optional: add a few drops red food coloring
and/or 1/8 teaspoon mint extract.
Rum and Raisin
Soak 2 tablespoons raisins in 2 tablespoons rum for 30 minutes. Chop raisins,
and then return to rum to continue soaking. Add toward the middle of freezing
process.
Rum Coconut
Add 2 tablespoons rum and ¼ cup freshly grated coconut.
Smores Ice Cream
Half and Half, Marshmallow's and Chocolate bar. Graham crackers
Cut marshmallows and chocolate bar into small pieces, mix with milk in metal
cylinder then PLAY AND FREEZE. Use Graham crackers to scoop ice cream mix.
Toasted Coconut
Add ½ cup lightly toasted shredded coconut. Optional: add ¼ teaspoon almond
extract.
More Recipes!
Cherry and Cherry Chip
1 pint of Half & Half
A handful of fresh cherries (pitted and quartered)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup sugar + 2 tablespoons
Variation (add 2 tablespoons chocolate chips)
Add cherries and chips after 10 minutes of mixing
Chocolate-Banana Ice Cream (thanks to Wolf Artist)
1/2 pint of whole cream
3 teaspoons of chocolate syrup
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon of sugar
1/2 of a banana(mashed)
Mix in bowl until mixture is a light brown. Then put in metal cylinder. PLAY AND FREEZE.
Cinnamon Stick Ice Cream
1 pint of Half & Half
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup sugar plus 2 tbs
Coconut and Coconut Almond
1 pint of Half & Half
1 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons of Coconut Syrup (used to flavor lattes)
Variation (add 2 tablespoons chopped almonds during mixing)
Ginger Ice Cream
1 pint of Half & Half
2-3 tbs crystallized or candied ginger, finely chopped
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup sugar plus 2 tbs
Hazelnut Chip
1 pint of Half & Half
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons of Hazelnut Syrup (used to flavor lattes)
2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Key Lime Ice Cream
1 pint of Half & Half
½ cup key lime juice
1/3 cup sugar plus 2 tbs
Peach
1 pint of Half & Half
1 medium ripe peach, sliced and pared
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
Add peaches after 10 minutes of mixing
Peanut Butter Cup
1 pint of Half & Half
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
2 chopped Peanut Butter Cups
Strawberry
1 pint of Half & Half
3 Tablespoons of Strawberry Jam
1/3 cup sugar
Toffee Crunch
1 pint of Half & Half
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
1 Heath bar chopped
Other Uses
Use your PLAY AND FREEZE™ to chill coffee, tea and soup or to mix your favorite drinks such as margaritas.
Try these Delicious MEGA Ball Recipes!
| Mega Ball Makes 1 Quart |
Here are recipes specially created for the MEGA Play & Freeze Ice Cream Ball. Try flavors from our recipe list or make up your own unlimited flavors! Great for making frozen fruit slushies and iced drinks such as Margaritas.
Basic Vanilla Ice Cream
1 quart of Cream or Half & Half*
1 tablespoon vanilla
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
*In all recipes, using cream makes a richer creamier ice cream. Using Half & Half or part milk and Half & Half makes a lighter ice cream, but takes longer to freeze.
Yield: about a quart of smooth and creamy ice cream.
Variations (add to vanilla recipe)
Butter Pecan
Beat softened or melted butter (2 tablespoons) in with 4 tbs cream and sugar
until completely
blended. Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans (plain or roasted).
Chocolate Chip
Add up to 1⁄2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate.
Coffee
Increase sugar to 1 cup. Dissolve 3 tablespoons instant coffee in smallest
amount of very warm
water. Add to base.
Egg Nog
Add 2 tablespoon brandy and 2 tablespoon rum. Dash of nutmeg!
Frozen Yogurt
Place 4 cups of flavored or fruited yogurt into the metal cylinder, then PLAY
AND FREEZE™ to
the consistency you desire. Plain yogurt can also be used, just add 2/3 cup of
sugar or 1 cup of
honey. Fruit may be added instead of sweetener, especially fruits canned in
their own juices.
Fruit Sorbet
Pour up to 1 qt of fresh juice into a container, add sugar to taste, and mix
well. Pour into metal
cylinder, PLAY AND FREEZE™ to the consistency you desire.
Grasshopper
Add 4 tablespoons crème de menthe and 1⁄2 cup (about 8) crumbled chocolate
cookies (sandwich or wafer type).
Hot Cocoa Ice Cream
Mix 3 to 4 packets of hot cocoa mix with cream or half & half in a container.
Shake well, add to
metal cylinder, PLAY AND FREEZE™.
Juice Slush
Pour up to 2 pints of sweetened or unsweetened juice or a combination of juices
into the metal cylinder, and PLAY AND FREEZE™ to the consistency you desire.
Kahlua And Cream
Add 8 tablespoons Kahlua mid-way through freezing.
Macaroon
Crumble about 8 macaroons into cream mixture. Optional: add 1⁄2 teaspoon almond
extract; macaroon may be soaked in sherry (about 1⁄2 cup) before adding.
Milk and Jam
Add 4 to 5 tablespoons of your favorite jam to the milk in a container, shake
well. Pour into
metal cylinder then PLAY AND FREEZE™. Enjoy raspberry, strawberry etc. ice
cream.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Add 1⁄2 teaspoon mint extract and 1/3 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (or
shaved chocolate). Optional: add a few drops of green food coloring.
Peppermint
Add 1⁄2 cup crushed peppermint candy. Optional: add a few drops red food
coloring and/or 1⁄4 teaspoon mint extract.
Rum and Raisin
Soak 4 tablespoons raisins in 4 tablespoons rum for 30 minutes. Chop raisins,
and then return to rum to continue soaking. Add toward the middle of freezing
process.
Rum Coconut
Add 4 tablespoons rum and 1⁄2 cup freshly grated coconut. Toasted Coconut
Add 3⁄4 cup lightly toasted shredded coconut. Optional: add 1⁄2 teaspoon almond
extract.
More Recipes
Smores Ice Cream
Half & Half
Marshmallows
Chocolate bar
Graham crackers
Cut marshmallows and chocolate bar into small pieces, mix with milk in metal
cylinder then PLAY AND FREEZE™. Use Graham crackers to scoop ice cream mix.
Coconut and Coconut Almond
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
2 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons of Coconut Syrup (used to flavor lattes)
Cocunut Almond Variation: add 3 tablespoons chopped almonds during mixing
Cinnamon Stick Ice Cream
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla
3⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
Strawberry
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
5 Tablespoons of Strawberry Jam
2/3 cup sugar
Hazelnut Chip
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons of Hazelnut Syrup (used to flavor lattes)
4 tablespoons chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Cup
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
1 tablespoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
4 chopped Peanut Butter Cups
Ginger Ice Cream
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
3-4 tbs crystallized or candied ginger,
finely chopped
2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
Cherry and Cherry Chip
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup fresh cherries (pitted and quartered)
Add cherries while mixing after 15 minutes. Cherry Chip Variation: add 3
tablespoons
chocolate chips during mixing.
Key Lime Ice Cream
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
3⁄4 cup key lime juice
3⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
Peach
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
1 large ripe peach, sliced and pared
2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
Add peaches after 10 minutes of mixing
Toffee Crunch
1 quart of cream or Half & Half
1 tablespoon vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
2 Heath bars chopped
Original Ball $29.95 + $12.00 S&H Mega Ball $39.95 + $12.00 S&H [ To Purchase ]