if you want to try something like that ice cream maker and don't have a strong electronics background, the .Net Gadgeteer is worth a look
http://www.ghielectronics.com/products/dotnet-gadgeteer
There are lots of handy modules like Relays, Touch screens etc that can make putting simple things like that together a breeze
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/category/274/
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/327
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/364
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/376
A selection of the above parts will be living under my Christmas tree for the next month, make all the lights flash 
If you have stronger electronics skills there are many, many other options out there these days.
