Always sample the mixtures before freezing and adjust to your own taste. Use these recipes as an inspiration for your own favorite ice cream. If you like a little crunch, add a cup of chopped nuts, chocolate chips or candy to the mixture, either before or after freezing, depending on whether you want the crunch to be frozen, too. You can also add chopped fruit, fresh or dried, shredded coconut, even marshmallows. It's better to add these soft ingredients at the end so they don't become icy.
Sorbets are smooth frozen ices made without milk or other dairy products.
The beautiful, silky texture of a sorbet is at its best when freshly made and still soft. It should never be rock hard and should always be free of ice crystals. If you make it a few hours ahead, keep it frozen in the machine until about 20 minutes before serving. Then turn the chilling switch off so the sorbet will soften to the correct texture. If you resist temptation and have leftover sorbet, store in the freezer.