A fragrant and floral ice cream that combines the sweetness of honey with the calming aroma of lavender, creating a sophisticated and delicious frozen treat. This recipe is surprisingly simple and yields a smooth, creamy ice cream that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw and local)
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, honey, and dried culinary lavender. This infusion is the key to capturing the subtle floral notes of lavender in the ice cream. The quality of the honey will also impact the overall flavor; raw and local honey will impart a more complex and nuanced sweetness than processed varieties.
Step 2: Heat the Infusion: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Gently heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling. As the mixture warms, the lavender will begin to release its essential oils, infusing the cream with its distinctive fragrance.
Step 3: Steep and Rest: Once simmering, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and let the lavender steep in the cream mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. This steeping process allows the lavender flavor to fully develop and permeate the cream. The longer steeping time (within reason) results in stronger flavor.
Step 4: Strain the Lavender: After steeping, strain the lavender from the cream mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard the lavender buds. It’s essential to remove the lavender to prevent the ice cream from having a gritty texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together until they are light in color and slightly thickened. This creates a stable base for the custard and helps prevent curdling. The whisking incorporates air, making a smoother final product.
Step 6: Temper the Egg Yolks: Gradually add a small amount of the warm lavender-infused cream mixture to the whisked egg yolks, whisking constantly and vigorously. This process, known as tempering, slowly raises the temperature of the egg yolks to prevent them from scrambling when added to the hot cream.
Step 7: Combine and Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 8: Check for Doneness: To test for doneness, dip a spoon into the custard and run your finger across the back of the spoon. If the line remains distinct and doesn’t immediately run back together, the custard is ready. Be careful not to overcook the custard, as it can curdle.
Step 9: Chill the Custard: Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla complements both the honey and lavender, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Pour the custard into a clean container, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the custard for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the custard allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken further, resulting in a smoother ice cream.
Step 10: Churn the Ice Cream: Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. The churning process incorporates air into the custard, creating the light and airy texture that is characteristic of ice cream.
Step 11: Harden and Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 2 hours to allow the ice cream to firm up completely. This final freezing stage is crucial for achieving a scoopable and enjoyable texture.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the Honey Lavender Ice Cream into bowls or cones and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender or a drizzle of honey, if desired.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful departure from ordinary ice cream flavors. The combination of floral lavender and sweet honey creates a unique and sophisticated taste experience. It’s incredibly easy to make at home and requires no special skills, just a little patience. The creamy texture and fragrant aroma will transport you to a sunny lavender field with every spoonful. The subtle lavender notes make it feel refined and special.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a standalone dessert on a warm day.
- Pair it with fresh berries or grilled peaches for a delightful summer treat.
- Use it to elevate a simple slice of pound cake.
- Serve it with a warm brownie or cookie.
- Enjoy it as a palate cleanser between courses.
Tips:
- For a stronger lavender flavor, use more dried lavender (up to 3 tablespoons) or let the lavender steep for a longer period (up to 30 minutes). However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much lavender can make the ice cream taste bitter.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use the no-churn method. Pour the chilled custard into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this process for about 2-3 hours, or until the ice cream reaches your desired consistency.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Raw, local honey will impart a more complex flavor than processed honey.
- Make sure to chill the custard thoroughly before churning. This will help to prevent the ice cream from becoming icy.
- Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus steeping time)
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes (plus chilling and freezing time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion:
This Honey Lavender Ice Cream is more than just a frozen dessert; it’s an experience. The delicate floral notes of lavender combined with the comforting sweetness of honey create a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use lavender essential oil instead of dried lavender?
A1: While tempting, it is not advisable to use lavender essential oil in this recipe unless it’s specifically labeled as food-grade and safe for consumption. Even then, use it sparingly, as essential oils are very potent and can easily overpower the other flavors. Dried culinary lavender is a safer and more reliable option for infusing the cream with the desired flavor.
Q2: What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
A2: Not a problem! You can still enjoy this Honey Lavender Ice Cream using the no-churn method. After chilling the custard, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Every 30 minutes for the next 2-3 hours, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals that form. This will create a smoother ice cream texture.
Q3: Can I use a different type of honey?
A3: Absolutely! While raw, local honey is recommended for its complex flavor, you can experiment with different types of honey to find your preference. Clover honey is a milder option, while buckwheat honey has a stronger, more robust flavor. Just keep in mind that the honey flavor will impact the final taste of the ice cream.
Q4: How long will the ice cream last in the freezer?
A4: When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade ice cream will generally last for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. After that, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose some of its flavor and texture.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the ice cream?
A5: Certainly! Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients to customize your Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of blueberry jam would be delicious additions. Just be sure to add any extra ingredients after the ice cream has been churned and before transferring it to the freezer to harden.
