DramaQueen
Head Chef
I can see that being traditional about your icecream making means a lot to you and I wouldnt dream of arguing with you about your methods. Rituals are important in life! I hope you will now and again advise me on exciting new flavours I can try in my own icecream.
Your method may not be traditional but if you like what you made that's all that counts.
As for different flavors, that's the reason I make my own ice cream. There are dozens of flavors and combinations out there and if you google "recipes for homemade ice cream" you'll get a ton of them. I'll be glad to give you the recipe for my favorites.
I don't want to sound like a commercial but I think the best source is Ben & Jerry's Dessert and Ice Cream book. Their flavors are known to all of us and when you make your own it tastes exactly like what you get in the B & J shops.
The other reason for making your own ice cream is the obvious: no chemicals, no preservatives and no fillers.
Go have fun with it and don't get discouraged.