Mom's Homemade Ice Cream

5 cups whole milk, divided

1 ½ cups sugar

2 Tbsp vanilla extract

2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

Combine the sugar and 3 cups of the milk in a saucepan; warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until sugar is dissolved. Do not allow to come to a boil.

Transfer mixture to a half-gallon pitcher and stir in vanilla, cream, and remaining 2 cups of milk.

Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Freeze according to your ice cream freezer’s directions; transfer to a large oblong airtight container and ripen in freezer for 4 hours before serving.