Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful treat that combines sweet honey and fragrant lavender for a unique and refreshing flavor. It’s perfect for warm days or any time you want something special. This creamy ice cream is easy to make and will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Honey Lavender Ice Cream at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a unique dessert. It offers the perfect blend of sweetness from honey and the calming aroma of lavender. Plus, it’s a great way to cool down during hot weather. Homemade ice cream is also free from preservatives, and you can adjust the ingredients to your taste.
How to Make Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 5 large egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
Directions:
- In a pot, heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and dried lavender over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the honey and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Pour the mixture back into the pot and heat over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-10 minutes).
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 4 hours or overnight).
- Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
How to Serve Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Serve Honey Lavender Ice Cream in bowls or cones. You can garnish it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of lavender flowers for a lovely presentation. It pairs well with fresh fruit, like berries or peaches, for a refreshing treat.
How to Store Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Store your Honey Lavender Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It is best enjoyed within one to two weeks for optimal flavor and texture. Make sure to let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping for easy serving.
Tips to Make Honey Lavender Ice Cream
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor.
- If you can’t find dried culinary lavender, make sure to buy it from a reputable source, as some lavender is not suitable for cooking.
- Adjust the amount of lavender if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also place the mixture in a shallow dish and stir it every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Variation
You can add mix-ins like crushed cookies or chocolate chips for extra texture. You might also try making a lavender-infused syrup to drizzle over the ice cream!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but use about half the amount as it is more potent.
2. Is there a dairy-free version of this ice cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
3. How long does homemade ice cream last?
Homemade ice cream can last for about 2 weeks in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. But for best flavor and texture, enjoy it within a week.
