Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this lavender earl grey ice cream! It’s like a little scoop of elegance on a hot day. The combination of floral lavender and the subtle, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea creates a flavor that’s refreshing yet sophisticated. Each bite brings a delightful creaminess that feels like a hug for your taste buds. What makes this recipe extra special for me is the first time I made it for a garden party; the guests were raving about it! Trust me, once you serve this up, you’ll be the star of any get-together. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home, making it a perfect way to impress friends or simply treat yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups heavy cream: This gives the ice cream its rich and creamy base. Don’t skimp on quality here—it makes a difference!
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds a lovely lightness to the mix and balances the richness of the cream.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the ice cream just right. Feel free to adjust if you like it less sweet!
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender: Make sure it’s culinary-grade for the best flavor. This is where the magic happens!
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves: Use loose-leaf for a more robust flavor, or you can opt for tea bags—just cut them open!
- 5 large egg yolks: These help create a luscious custard that’s the secret to a velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
How to Prepare Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this lavender earl grey ice cream! The process is pretty straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Here’s how to whip up this dreamy dessert:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by pouring the heavy cream and whole milk into a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it’s hot but just shy of boiling—nobody wants a bubbling mess!
- Once hot, add in the granulated sugar, dried lavender, and Earl Grey tea leaves. Stir it all together and then take it off the heat. Let this lovely mixture steep for about 30 minutes. This is where all those fabulous flavors infuse!
- After steeping, strain the mixture to remove the lavender and tea leaves. Now you’re left with a fragrant cream that’s just begging to become ice cream!
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re smooth and pale. Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the yolks while whisking constantly. This is key to keeping the eggs from scrambling—no one wants that!
- Return this beautiful mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring gently until it thickens slightly. This should take about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool down before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Patience is a virtue here, I promise it’ll be worth it!
- Finally, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s reached that perfect creamy consistency, transfer it to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
And there you have it! The hardest part is waiting for it to freeze, but trust me, every scoop will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of floral lavender and citrusy Earl Grey tea creates a refreshingly sophisticated taste you won’t find in store-bought ice cream.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a gourmet dessert that looks and tastes like it’s from a fancy café.
- Impressive Treat: Serve this ice cream at gatherings and watch your friends’ faces light up with delight—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile Pairing: This ice cream works beautifully as a standalone dessert or as a complement to fruit tarts, cakes, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Perfect for Warm Days: The light and refreshing flavors make it an ideal treat for summer days or any time you want to cool off.
- Made with Love: You can customize the sweetness and ingredients to your liking, ensuring it’s just how you love it.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your ice cream will taste! Opt for high-quality heavy cream and culinary lavender for the best flavor.
- Watch the Heat: When heating the milk and cream, keep an eye on it! You want it hot but not boiling, as boiling can change the texture and flavor.
- Strain Well: Make sure to strain the mixture thoroughly to remove all lavender and tea leaves. A fine mesh strainer works wonders here, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Egg Tempering: When adding the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks, pour slowly while whisking continuously. This helps prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and scrambling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling process! Letting the mixture chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait) allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Churn to Perfection: Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions carefully. Over-churning can lead to a grainy texture, so keep an eye on it and stop when it’s creamy and soft.
- Let It Soften: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes scooping easier and enhances that creamy experience!
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the mixture for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the Earl Grey perfectly!
- Berry Bliss: Swirl in some pureed berries like strawberries or blueberries just before you freeze the ice cream for a fruity burst in every scoop.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some finely chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips during the churning process for a delicious contrast to the floral notes.
- Honey Lavender: Replace some of the granulated sugar with honey for a unique, floral sweetness that enhances the lavender flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in some toasted chopped almonds or pistachios after churning for a crunchy texture and extra depth of flavor.
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the cream mixture for a warm, spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the lavender and tea.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of egg yolks for a delightful dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful lavender earl grey ice cream. Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
These numbers are just a guide to help you enjoy this treat mindfully. So go ahead and indulge a little—it’s homemade goodness after all!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular tea instead of Earl Grey?
Absolutely! While Earl Grey gives this ice cream its unique flavor, you can experiment with other types of tea, like chai or green tea, for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit!
How long does the ice cream last in the freezer?
This lavender earl grey ice cream can typically last about 1 to 2 weeks in the freezer. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency, which usually takes about 3-4 hours.
What if I can’t find culinary lavender?
If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can always order it online or look for it in specialty food stores. But if you’re really in a pinch, you can leave it out and still enjoy a lovely Earl Grey ice cream—just make sure to infuse the tea well!
Can I make this ice cream vegan?
Definitely! For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and replace the egg yolks with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per yolk). This will give you that creamy texture while keeping it plant-based!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful lavender earl grey ice cream, let’s talk about how to serve it up for an unforgettable dessert experience. Here are some of my favorite pairing ideas that’ll elevate your ice cream game:
- Fresh Berries: A handful of juicy raspberries or sliced strawberries on top brings a burst of color and a tart contrast to the creamy ice cream. Yum!
- Shortbread Cookies: Serve your ice cream alongside buttery shortbread cookies. The rich, crumbly texture is the perfect complement to the smooth ice cream.
- Citrus Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey or a citrus-infused syrup (like lemon or orange) adds an extra layer of flavor and brightness. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!
- Chocolate Sauce: Who can resist chocolate? A rich, warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the ice cream creates a decadent dessert that’s hard to beat.
- Cake Slice: Pair it with a slice of lemon or almond cake for an elegant dessert. The lightness of the cake balances out the creaminess of the ice cream perfectly.
- Herbal Tea: For a cozy vibe, serve your ice cream with a cup of herbal tea. It enhances the tea flavors in the ice cream and makes for a lovely afternoon treat.
- Fruit Tart: If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside a fresh fruit tart. The flaky crust and sweet fruits are a match made in dessert heaven!
These pairings not only complement the unique flavors of your lavender earl grey ice cream but also make for a beautiful presentation. So, go ahead and get creative with your dessert spread—your guests will be in awe!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this classic vanilla sponge cake recipe or this creamy New York-style cheesecake!
Imprimer
Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream: 7 Irresistible Flavor Combinations
- Temps Total: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Rendement: 1 quart 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing ice cream made with lavender and Earl Grey tea.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Add sugar, lavender, and Earl Grey tea leaves. Stir well and remove from heat.
- Let the mixture steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove lavender and tea leaves.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually add the warm cream mixture while whisking.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use culinary lavender for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste.
- Let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes before serving for easier scooping.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Churning
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 23g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: lavender earl grey ice cream, ice cream recipe, lavender dessert
