There is something so special about homemade ice cream in the summer months. There are several stages to this recipe, but the effort is truly worth it, especially with this delicious mix of flavors.
| Level: | Intermediate |
| Total: | 7 hr 20 min |
| Active: | 40 min |
| Yield: | 4 pints (16 servings) |
Ingredients
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 9 large egg yolks
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup chopped chocolate
- 1/2 cup slivered toasted almonds
- Toppings: additional almonds, cherries, chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Stir together the half-and-half and 2 cups sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the vanilla paste and almond extract. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not simmering or boiling.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks vigorously with a whisk until they start to lighten in color, about 2 minutes.
- Next, take a ladle of the hot half-and-half mixture and very slowly drizzle it into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking the whole time, tempering the eggs. Repeat with a second ladle of hot half-and-half mixture, making sure to whisk the whole time.
- Pour the tempered yolks into the saucepan with the rest of the half-and-half mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon, cooking it slowly, until it’s thick enough to coat the spoon, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Set a fine-mesh strainer over a clean bowl. Pour the thick half-and-half liquid through the strainer into the bowl. Add the heavy cream to the bowl and stir gently to combine. Refrigerate this mixture until chilled, about 2 hours.
- Combine the cherries and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the cherries are chopped but still retain some of their texture. Pour the cherry mixture into the chilled custard mixture and stir.
- Pour this mixture into your ice cream maker to freeze and churn it according to the manufacturer’s directions. (Depending on the size of your machine, you may need to do this in 2 batches). Just before the end of the cycle, add the chocolate and almonds and allow them to mix in. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer until frozen firm, at least 4 hours.
- Serve as is or with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 16 servings |
| Calories | 444 |
| Total Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 40 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 170 mg |
| Sodium | 96 mg |