As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can certainly provide you with a detailed answer to your question about using butter instead of heavy cream in ice cream.
When it comes to making ice cream, heavy cream is a crucial ingredient for its rich and creamy texture. However, if you find yourself without heavy cream, you can still create a similar alternative using regular milk and butter.
To make this substitution, you'll want to use whole milk rather than lower-fat varieties. Whole milk typically has a fat percentage of around 3.5%, which will help provide some of the richness you would get from heavy cream.
In terms of the butter, you'll need to use more than you would with half-and-half to achieve a comparable consistency. A good starting point is to mix approximately 1 and 2/3 cups (or 1 and 3/4 cups) of whole milk with 1 and 1/3 cups (or 1 and 1/2 cups) of melted butter. This ratio should help mimic the fat content and creaminess of heavy cream.
When incorporating the melted butter into the milk, it's important to do so slowly and gradually. You'll want to whisk the mixture thoroughly to ensure the butter is evenly distributed. This will help prevent any clumps or separation in your ice cream base.
It's worth noting that while this substitution can work in a pinch, it may not yield the exact same results as using heavy cream. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which contributes to the smooth and creamy texture of ice cream. By using butter and whole milk, you'll be replicating some of that fat content, but it may not be as rich or velvety as traditional heavy cream ice cream.
Additionally, the flavor profile may be slightly different when using butter. Butter has a distinct taste that can come through in the ice cream, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to use this substitution.
While you can use butter instead of heavy cream in ice cream, it's important to understand that the results may not be identical. By using whole milk and melted butter in the appropriate ratios, you can create a similar alternative, but it may not have the exact same texture and flavor as ice cream made with heavy cream.