Apricot Earl Grey Ice Cream
Indulge in a delightful treat that combines the fruity sweetness of apricots with the aromatic essence of Earl Grey tea in this homemade ice cream recipe. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening at home, this unique flavor combination will surely impress your taste buds and your loved ones. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this creamy and refreshing Apricot Earl Grey Ice Cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 4 Earl Grey tea bags
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. Add the Earl Grey tea bags to the cream mixture and let them steep for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the tea to infuse its flavor. Make sure to gently press the tea bags against the side of the saucepan to extract maximum flavor.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a ladleful of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while continuously whisking to temper the eggs.
4. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea bags and any bits of cooked egg. Discard the tea bags.
6. Place the chopped dried apricots in a blender or food processor and pulse until they form a rough puree. Add the apricot puree to the strained custard along with the vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
7. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Once the custard has chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 25-30 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
9. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with a lid or additional plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
10. When ready to serve, scoop the Apricot Earl Grey Ice Cream into bowls or cones, garnish with additional chopped apricots if desired, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this homemade frozen treat.
Explore the world of homemade ice cream with this Apricot Earl Grey creation – a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and aromatic tea notes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, grab your ice cream maker and get ready to savor every scoop of this delicious frozen delight!