HOW TO MAKE ICE CREAM WITH LIQUID NITROGEN - NERDY NUMMIES

Summary

In this exciting episode of Nerdy Nummies, Ro and special guest Travis, a world record over-clocker, dive into the world of liquid nitrogen to make strawberry vanilla ice cream! As Travis explains the science behind overclocking and the extreme cold of liquid nitrogen, the duo demonstrates how quickly and smoothly ice cream can be made using this chilling method. Ro gets hands-on with the liquid nitrogen, pouring it into the mix while Travis expertly stirs. The result? Delicious homemade ice cream that's frozen in seconds! A fun blend of science and cooking, this episode is a treat for both the curious and the hungry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ro introduces Travis from NexGen, a world record over-clocker, to discuss how to make ice cream with liquid nitrogen.
• 😀 Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, at 320 degrees below zero, and can cause burns if mishandled.
• 😀 Safety precautions include wearing gloves and safety glasses to prevent burns from liquid nitrogen.
• 😀 The Leidenfrost effect occurs when liquid nitrogen touches the skin, causing it to bead up and roll off, preventing direct contact.
• 😀 Liquid nitrogen allows for ultra-fast freezing of ice cream, resulting in a smoother texture compared to traditional methods.
• 😀 Making ice cream with liquid nitrogen typically takes seconds to minutes, unlike traditional methods that take hours.
• 😀 Ingredients for the ice cream include strawberries, vanilla, half and half, heavy cream, sugar, and measuring spoons.
• 😀 The ice cream mix should be well-mixed before adding liquid nitrogen to ensure the ingredients are dissolved properly.
• 😀 As liquid nitrogen is added, it boils and creates nitrogen gas, which causes the ice cream to foam up and freeze rapidly.
• 😀 The ice cream freezes quickly, and once the process is complete, it can be scooped and eaten immediately.
• 😀 Ro enjoys the finished ice cream, commenting on its strong vanilla flavor, and thanks Travis for his help in making the ice cream.

Q & A

What is overclocking and how does it relate to liquid nitrogen?

Overclocking is the process of making a computer run faster than its standard operating speed. It is typically used to achieve higher performance in tasks like gaming. Liquid nitrogen is used in overclocking to cool the computer's components to extreme temperatures, allowing them to run faster without overheating.

Why is liquid nitrogen used in overclocking?

Liquid nitrogen is used in overclocking because it can lower the temperature of the computer's components drastically, preventing them from overheating and allowing the components to perform at much higher speeds without damage.

How cold is liquid nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, with a temperature of 320 degrees Fahrenheit below zero (-196°C), making it one of the coldest substances on Earth.

What safety precautions should be taken when handling liquid nitrogen?

When handling liquid nitrogen, it's important to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from burns. Avoid splashing it around, and ensure that your hands are dry to prevent frostbite. Liquid nitrogen should not be held on the skin for prolonged periods.

What is the Leidenfrost effect in relation to liquid nitrogen?

The Leidenfrost effect occurs when liquid nitrogen comes into contact with the skin, creating a vapor layer that prevents the liquid from touching the skin directly. This allows for brief exposure without immediate injury, but prolonged contact can cause frostbite.

How does the use of liquid nitrogen affect the texture of ice cream?

Using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream freezes it extremely quickly, resulting in smaller ice crystals. This creates a smoother texture compared to traditional ice cream, which takes longer to freeze and tends to form larger, more noticeable ice crystals.

Why is liquid nitrogen ice cream faster to make than regular ice cream?

Liquid nitrogen ice cream is much faster to make because it freezes the ingredients rapidly, unlike traditional methods that take hours to freeze the mixture. This quick freezing process helps achieve a creamy, smooth consistency.

What ingredients are needed to make strawberry vanilla ice cream with liquid nitrogen?

To make strawberry vanilla ice cream with liquid nitrogen, you need 2 cups of chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, 1.5 cups of half and half, 4 cups of heavy cream, 2 cups of sugar, along with safety equipment, a mixing bowl, and a whisk.

What role do the strawberries play in the ice cream mixture?

The strawberries are mixed into the ice cream base to add flavor and texture. They provide a fruity taste and enhance the overall sweetness of the ice cream.

How does liquid nitrogen create the bubbling effect when added to the ice cream mixture?

When liquid nitrogen is added to the ice cream mixture, it starts to boil due to the temperature difference, creating nitrogen gas. This bubbling effect is a visual sign of the liquid nitrogen boiling and evaporating, which contributes to the freezing process.