Experience the delightful and soothing flavors of honey and lavender in this creamy and refreshing Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Perfect for a relaxing summer treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring optional
Instructions:
Infuse the Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, honey, and dried lavender buds.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and let the lavender infuse for about 20 minutes.
Strain the Mixture:
- Strain the lavender buds from the milk mixture using a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Return the milk mixture to the saucepan.
Prepare the Custard:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thick.
- Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook the Custard:
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Do not let it boil to avoid curdling the eggs.
Cool and Chill:
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring, if using.
- Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Once the mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturers instructions.
Freeze and Serve:
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy your delicious Honey Lavender Ice Cream!
- Indulge in the delicate and fragrant flavors of this Honey Lavender Ice Cream for a truly unique and delightful dessert!