If you like ice cream, then having your own ice cream machine is a great investment. You can make your own ice cream, sorbets and slushies, knowing that the ingredients are healthy and delicious.

Ice cream machines vary in quality and price, but it's possible to buy a good electric one for under $50. An ice cream machine is fairly simple, with a canister, a cover, an electric motor to spin the canister, and a plastic scraper.

Before you can make ice cream, the canister needs to be placed in the freezer for 24 hours. Now that the canister is freezing, it's placed into the ice cream machine and the ingredients poured inside. Start up the machine, so that the canister starts to rotate. As it does, the scraper removes the ice crystals that form on the inside of the canister and mixes them into the ice cream. As the process continues, the liquid thickens and freezes until it resembles soft serve ice cream. This takes about 20 minutes.

One of the best things about an ice cream machine is that you can create whatever combination of ingredients you like. Got a hankering for banana and mango ice cream? Then make some! You can add any extras you like, too, such as nuts, candy bits or pieces of fresh fruit.

Using an ice cream machine is a great way to make fresh, unique ice cream, and the best thing is that it's free of preservatives and chemicals. So if you're interested in healthy eating or organic food, an ice cream machine is perfect for healthy treats.

If you're on a diet, then use low-fat ingredients without the need for artificial sweeteners. You can also use an ice cream machine to make frozen yogurt, if that's what you like.

For those with a more creative approach, an ice cream machine provides endless opportunities. Perhaps make a savory sorbet to give with a chicken dish, or make a champagne ice cream to give your dinner party a sophisticated finish. Once you have an ice cream machine, the possibilities are endless. And the results taste great too!