| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 470 | 29g | 17g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 1g | 7g | 0.22g |
Born and raised in New York City, I’ve tasted the world’s best global flavors without leaving the five boroughs. But despite the myriad of marvelous meals I’ve experienced, it’s a simple, homemade dish that truly captivates my heart – the Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream. This is a reflection of my culinary journey- a fusion of fresh, fruity flavors subtly complemented by the calming effect of spearmint.
The Allure of Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream
The combination of the creamy texture, cooling spearmint, and a burst of various fresh fruits, makes this recipe more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. What’s even more appealing is that this ice cream is a healthier alternative to the usual sugary treats. The fresh fruits provide a natural sweetness, besides being a great source of vitamins and fiber. Mint itself is known for its digestive benefits, making this the perfect dessert to round off a hearty meal.
When the curtain falls after a long night on Broadway, there’s nothing more calming than a cup of this Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream. The smooth, creamy texture intertwined with spearmint’s cooling touch produces a soothing sensation, making it the perfect tonic to unwind after my stage performances.
Combining Diversity in One Delightful Dish
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Depending on the season, you can switch up the fruits for a refreshing twist. For instance, during fall, tart apples and juicy pears make a wonderful addition. In the summer, vibrant berries and tropical fruits, like mangoes and kiwis, elevate the experience.
If you’re a fan of Semifreddo, you will absolutely adore this recipe as it shares similar fresh and creamy attributes. It pairs perfectly with simple, light desserts like lemon drizzle cake or a classic Eton mess for a delightful contrast.
Whether it’s for an extravagant dinner party or a quiet night in, nothing concludes the meal better than a delicious scoop of Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream. It feels like a premium treat from a gourmet boutique, except it’s from your very own kitchen – a testament to the fact that simple, high-quality ingredients go a long way.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 bunch of fresh spearmint
- 5 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chopped fresh fruits (strawberries, kiwi, mangos, etc.)
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
Method
Step One
First, pour the 2 cups of whole milk into a saucepan and heat until it begins to steam. Do not let the milk boil.
Step Two
Add the fresh spearmint to the hot milk. Let the mixture steep on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the mint flavor to infuse.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 5 large egg yolks and the 3/4 cup of sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
Step Four
Slowly pour the hot milk and spearmint mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks and sugar, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Once fully combined, pour everything back into the saucepan.
Step Five
Cook the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will make your custard base.
Step Six
Once the custard base is ready, pour it through a strainer to remove the spearmint leaves. Then stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract.
Step Seven
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it becomes completely cold, at least a couple hours. After the mixture is chilled, churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step Eight
In the last few minutes of churning, add in the chopped fresh fruits. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a lidded container, and freeze it until it hardens to your desired consistency.
Step Nine
Serve the fresh spearmint ice cream in bowls or ice cream cones, and enjoy!
