Ice Cream (True Vanilla & Variations)

  • 4

Ingredients

  • As Below, but generally:
  • 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 1 c. whole milk
  • 1/2 c. sugar (divided in half)
  • Pinch Kosher sale
  • 1/2 vanilla bean
  • 5 lg. egg yolks
  • Variations will need additional - see below

Preparation

Step 1

Combine 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Split 1/2 vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape in seeds; add pod (or use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract). Bring mixture just to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat. If using vanilla bean, cover; let sit 30 minutes. Whisk 5 large egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl until pale, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup warm cream mixture. Whisk yolk mixture into remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat a wooden spoon, 2–3 minutes. Strain custard into a medium bowl set over a bowl of ice water; let cool, stirring occasionally. Process custard in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to an airtight container; cover. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 1 week.

Cherry-Bourbon Ice Cream
Makes about 4 cups
Cook 1 1/2 cups halved pitted cherries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until syrupy, 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon; let cool. Process custard and fold in cherry mixture just before transferring to freezer.

Chocolate-Malt Ice Cream
Makes about 4 cups
Strain hot custard over 6 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in a medium bowl; let stand 5 minutes, then whisk to combine. Let cool over a bowl of ice water. Process custard, adding in 1 cup chopped malted milk balls at the end.

Coffee Stracciatella
Makes about 4 cups
Mix 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder into strained, hot custard until dissolved; cool over ice bath. Once custard is frozen to desired consistency in ice cream maker, gradually pour in 3 ounces melted bittersweet chocolate; process until ice cream is flecked with chocolate, 2 minutes longer.

Pistachio
Makes about 4 cups
Once custard is frozen to desired consistency in ice cream maker, add 1 cup chopped unsalted raw pistachios; process just until combined.