From the recipe box - Basil Ice Cream

6.26.14- 

You scream, I scream.... 

  today I'm sharing a tasty recipe for homemade Basil Ice Cream.  It's cool, crisp flavor is perfect for Summertime entertaining in the backyard. It goes beautifully with the Strawberry Soda Cracker Pie I shared on Studio 5.  

Have you ever tried basil ice cream before?  Are you intrigued?  You might be wondering just what it tastes like.  Fresh, light & flavorful, your taste buds will thank you.  It is like tasting summertime in one scrumptious bite! Quite simple to make & requires just a bit of time but once that first spoonful hits your lips it's all totally worth it. 

Basil Ice Cream 

2 cups whole milk

1 cup basil leaves

½ cup sugar

Pinch of Salt

4 large egg yolks {save the egg whites to make the Strawberry Soda Cracker Pie}

½ cup well-chilled heavy cream 

Heat milk, basil and ¼ cup sugar, with a pinch of salt, in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour the mixture through a strainer to remove the basil leaves.

With a hand-held mixer, beat the yolks and remaining ¼ cup sugar in a bowl until thick and pale (about 1 minute). Add the milk mixture in a slow stream and beat until combined. Pour mixture into a clean saucepan and cook over moderate heat. Be sure to stir constantly. The mixture will begin to thicken and is ready when it coats the back of a wooden spoon – this will take around 6 minutes of stirring. Do not let the mixture come to a boil.

Remove from the heat and poor in to a small bowl. Place the bowl in a larger bowl of ice water and stir until cold, around 12 minutes. (I recommend making the ice bath before you cook the custard over the stove – the custard will cook quickly and, if you don’t cool it down immediately, you risk curdling the mixture).

Stir in the cream and freeze in the ice cream maker. Once frozen, place the ice cream in an airtight container and put in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours before serving. 

Give it a try, I think you'll like it.  It's one of those recipes that will intrigue your dinner guests & will have them asking for more. Fruit & herbs go so well together & since they are in season & are readily available they just beg to be paired together. 

Enjoyed being on Studio 5  & sharing a favorite family recipe for Strawberry Soda Cracker Pie. Adding a scoop of Basil Ice Cream sends this dessert over the top. You can see the whole segment of me in the kitchen & get the recipe {HERE} 

Thanks for stopping by, give this summertime dessert a try. I think you'll like it.  Be sure to check out the post below for a coupon code to receive a 6x6 book of your Instagram photos for FREE! Such a great thing.  

Come back again soon. Happy Summer! 

{M}