Blackberry Ice Cream

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 C fresh blackberries
- 1/2 + 1/4 C sugar, divided
- 1/2 + 1/4 C whole milk
- 1 + 1/4 C heavy cream
- 1 + 1/2 t pure vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation:
1. In a small bowl, combine the blackberries with 1/2 C of the sugar. Stir gently and allow the berries to macerate in the sugar for 2 hrs (pic 1). Mash or puree the berries. ( pic 2)
2. In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the milk and remaining granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved (pic 3), about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, and strain in the pureed berries, vanilla and mix well (pic 4,5,6)
3. Turn the machine on; pour the mixture into the freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes (pic 7). The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture (pic 8). Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15' before serving. (pic 6)