Corn Ice Cream Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote

By pattie_d

Summer corn isn't just for eating off the cob. The kernels add an unexpected sweetness to ice cream sandwiched with blueberry compote in a buttermilk shortcake.
Corn and blueberries are familiar summer favorites, yet rarely are they seen together. In this dessert, they prove a delicious pair. Fresh sweet corn is surprisingly at home in the simple ice cream, thanks to its natural sugars. And scooped onto a biscuit, it goes perfectly with a tart blueberry compote.Summer corn isn't just for eating off the cob. The kernels add an unexpected sweetness to ice cream sandwiched with blueberry compote in a buttermilk shortcake.

Ingredients

• For The Ice Cream:
• 4 ears corn, shucked
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Coarse salt
• 9 large egg yolks
• For The Shortcakes:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 1 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt
• 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
• Heavy cream, for brushing
• Coarse sanding sugar, for sprinkling
• For The Blueberry Compote
• 6 ounces blueberries (1 1/2 cups)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Details

Preparation time 50mins
Cooking time 965mins
Adapted from marthastewart.com

Preparation

Step 1

Make the ice cream: Carefully cut kernels from cobs; transfer to a saucepan. Break cobs in half; add to saucepan. Stir in milk, cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Let cool; discard cobs.

Working in batches, puree corn mixture in a blender until smooth. (For safety, remove cap from hole in lid, and cover with a dish towel to prevent spattering.) Return mixture to saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, prepare an ice-water bath. Whisk together
egg yolks and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Whisk 1 cup corn mixture into yolks, then return entire mixture to saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until custard thickens and can easily coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes.

Strain custard through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing down solids; discard solids. Transfer bowl to ice-water bath, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to an airtight container, and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours.

Meanwhile, make the shortcakes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sift flours, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and
1 1/4 teaspoons salt twice into a bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or rub in with your fingers until small clumps form. Make
a well in the center, and pour in buttermilk. Stir until combined.

Turn out dough onto a generously floured surface, and fold over onto itself 3 or 4 times. Roll out dough to a 1-inch thickness. Cut out rounds of dough using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gather scraps, and repeat once. Brush shortcakes with heavy cream, and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.

Make the blueberry compote: Bring 1 cup blueberries, the granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until berries burst and liquid thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup blueberries. Let cool.

Split shortcakes in half, and top each shortcake bottom with a spoonful of blueberry compote, top with a scoop of ice cream, then sandwich with shortcake tops.

Cook's Note

Ice cream can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shortcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Compote can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.