It's easy to create memories with this recipe for old-fashioned ice cream. When it comes to ice-cream freezers, you've got two basic choices. One type requires salt and ice and comes in electric or hand-crank versions. Your second option is a smaller, iceless variety with a double-walled bowl you pop in the freezer overnight before using.

Take a look at these tips for creating Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:

Try This Technique:

1. Heating and stirring a whole vanilla bean with the half-and-half and sugar softens the bean, making it easier to split open.

2. Use a paring knife to carefully slit open the vanilla bean from end to end; scrape out the tiny brown-black seeds loaded with concentrated flavor. Add the seeds to the ice-cream mixture.

3. With the dasher in place, pour the chilled cream mixture into the container, filling it about half to three-quarters full. This allows plenty of space for the ice cream to expand as it freezes.5. When the mixture reaches the consistency of soft ice cream, the motor will strain or slow (or the crank handles will become difficult to turn). Stop the machine; remove and scrape ice cream from dasher. Pack and ripen the ice cream as directed by the freezer manufacturer. Ripening ice creams involves letting the mixture rest for a few hours so it will harden, melt slower, and develop a fuller flavor.

4. After the lid is securely placed on the ice-cream container, fill the outer bucket with ice cubes and rock salt, according to the directions provided with your ice-cream freezer. Rock salt can be found at most supermarkets and hardware stores. Some directions call for the use of table salt.