Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
4 large egg yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Infuse the Cream:
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and dried lavender. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to steam, but do not let it boil. Once steaming, remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let the lavender steep for 15-20 minutes.
Strain the Lavender:
After steeping, strain the lavender out of the cream mixture using a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the lavender and return the infused cream to the saucepan.
Prepare the Custard Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, honey, and salt until the mixture is smooth and pale. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm lavender-infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add more of the warm cream, a little at a time, until it’s all combined.
Cook the Custard:
Pour the egg and cream mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. The custard is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 170-175°F), but do not let it boil.
Chill the Custard:
Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard through a sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the custard in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream:
After chilling, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freeze the Ice Cream:
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Serve:
Scoop the honey lavender ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy a delicate, floral treat. You can garnish with a drizzle of honey or a sprig of fresh lavender for an extra touch.
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time) | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling and freezing time)
Kcal: Approx. 220 per serving | Servings: 6