The Best Vanilla Ice Cream

Directions

If using vanilla bean: Heat milk and bean in microwave or a small saucepan over low heat until hot. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 15 minutes. Scrape seeds from bean into milk. Discard bean. Pour milk into a medium bowl and let cool. If using extract: Pour cold milk into a medium bowl and add vanilla extract. Stir condensed milk and salt into flavored milk. Beat heavy cream in a large bowl with electric mixer until stiff peaks form when beaters are lifted. Gently stir in milk mixture. Pour into shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Cover and freeze at least 4 hours stirring one after 2 hours or when edges start to harden.