Chopped strawberries and cocoa nibs are a colorful addition to vanilla ice cream.

Makes 8 servings, 1/2 cup each (1 quart)

ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 2 3/4 hours (including 2 hours chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon water
3 cups low-fat milk, divided
3 large egg yolks
1 14-ounce can nonfat sweetened condensed milk
1 vanilla bean
3/4 cup fresh or frozen chopped strawberries
1/4 cup cocoa nibs (see Note) or mini chocolate chips

1. Sprinkle gelatin over water in a small bowl; let stand, stirring once or twice, while you make the base for the ice cream.
2. Pour 1 1/2 cups milk into a large saucepan. Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise; scrape the seeds into the milk and add the pod.
3. Heat the milk mixture over medium heat until steaming. Whisk egg yolks and condensed milk in a medium bowl. Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking until blended. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the back of the spoon is lightly coated, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not bring to a boil or the custard will curdle.
4. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean large bowl. Add the softened gelatin and whisk until melted. Whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
5. Whisk the ice cream mixture and pour into the canister of an ice cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. During the last 5 minutes of freezing, add strawberries and cocoa nibs (or chocolate chips) to the ice cream maker. If necessary, place the ice cream in the freezer to firm up before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 236 calories; 4 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 89 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrate; 9 g protein; 1 g fiber; 104 mg sodium; 500 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Calcium (25% daily value), Vitamin C (16% dv).
2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1/2 low-fat milk, 2 other carbohydrate

TIP: Note: Cocoa nibs, which are bits of roasted and hulled cocoa beans, are crunchy and have a pure (unsweetened) chocolate taste. Some brands of nibs are coarser than others. You can find them at large grocery stores, gourmet retailers or online at chocosphere.com.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. | Equipment: Ice cream maker