Ice cream mastering : the definitive article

In the world of pastry and frozen desserts, ice cream is both a universal favorite and a true test of precision, technique, and creativity. As a professional chef, I’ve come to see ice cream not just as a product, but as a craft that demands deep knowledge and a structured, scientific approach. That’s why I created this complete dossier — a reference designed for chefs, artisans, and passionate creators who want to master every aspect of ice cream making.

This series of eight in-depth articles covers everything from the history and legal definitions of ice cream, to the physical chemistry that governs its structure, to the ingredients and equipment needed to produce it at a professional level. Whether you’re just starting your journey or refining your process, each article brings actionable knowledge, based on years of experience and grounded in the highest standards of professional glacerie.

Below, you’ll find a short summary of each article to guide your exploration of the dossier.

From ancient snow-cooled desserts to modern artisan labs, and from Italian gelato to French crème glacée, this article traces the evolution of ice cream through time. It also breaks down the strict legal classifications that define what can be called ice cream, sorbet, or frozen dessert, so you can create with both authenticity and compliance.
This article explores the science behind structure and texture. You’ll learn how water, fat, sugars, and air interact to form the frozen matrix, how freezing point depression works, and how emulsions and foams behave during production. This is essential reading for anyone looking to control texture with precision.
A deep dive into the core components of any frozen dessert. From milk, cream, and butter to dextrose, egg yolks, and fruit purées, this article explains how to choose and balance ingredients based on their technical function and sensory impact.
Often misunderstood, these are the silent heroes of ice cream formulation. Learn how stabilizers control iciness and improve shelf life, while emulsifiers create smooth textures and support air incorporation. Includes advice on dosing, types, and how to integrate them properly into your base.
A professional method from start to finish. From weighing and pasteurizing to maturation, churning, and hardening, this article offers a detailed workflow for every batch you make. Includes hygiene best practices and balancing tips to prevent mistakes and optimize results.
Explore the diversity of frozen desserts. From custard-based ice creams to fruit-forward sorbets, Italian gelato, and plated sundaes, this article highlights formulation specifics and creative combinations, using real recipe examples to illustrate the techniques.
Every chef makes mistakes — but the best know how to correct them. This article identifies the most frequent defects in texture, melt, and flavor, and explains their causes and remedies. Perfect for troubleshooting and refining your technique.
Your lab is the foundation of your product. Learn how to choose the right equipment, structure your workflow, apply rigorous hygiene protocols, and source top-quality seasonal ingredients. A final chapter dedicated to turning your creative work into reliable production.

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