Yummy Honey Lavender Ice Cream

There’s something enchanting about the combination of honey and lavender, evoking the tranquility of a summer meadow in every bite. This delightful ice cream is not only a treat for your taste buds but also an experience for your senses, bringing together the floral notes of lavender with the natural sweetness of honey to create a dessert that’s truly unique.

Ingredients

For this recipe, which serves four people, you’ll need the following:

• 1 cup of whole milk
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender buds
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Cooking Method

1. Infuse Milk and Cream: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, honey, and lavender buds. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Prepare Egg Mixture: While the milk mixture is steeping, whisk the egg yolks and salt in a separate bowl until they become slightly thickened and pale in color.

3. 

   Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour the warm milk mixture through a fine mesh sieve (to remove the lavender buds) into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

4. Cook the Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.

5. Cool and Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best infusion of flavors.

6. Churn: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

7. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.

Nutritional Value and Pairings

Honey Lavender Ice Cream is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. The honey provides natural sugars and antioxidants, while the lavender has calming properties. The use of whole milk and cream offers calcium and essential fats. However, it’s still a rich dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation.

For the perfect summer dessert experience, serve this ice cream alongside a fresh berry salad, which complements the floral notes with a burst of tangy sweetness. Pair it with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc, or enjoy it with a refreshing iced herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, to enhance the relaxation effect.