Fresh Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful and unique treat that combines the floral flavors of lavender with the creamy goodness of ice cream. Lavender is a versatile herb that adds a subtle yet distinct aroma and taste to dishes. It pairs particularly well with desserts, infusing them with a hint of elegance and sophistication.
To make Fresh Lavender Ice Cream, you will need a few key ingredients, including fresh lavender flowers, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks. The lavender flowers should be picked at their peak when the oils are most fragrant. You can typically find them in specialty grocery stores or grow your own if you have access to a lavender plant.
Ingredients
The main ingredients for making Fresh Lavender Ice Cream are:
- Fresh lavender flowers
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
To make the ice cream, you will need fresh lavender flowers. These can be either picked from your own garden or bought from a local farmer’s market. The flowers should be aromatic and free from pesticides.
The base of the ice cream is made using a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. The milk gives the ice cream a creamy texture, while the heavy cream adds richness. It is important to use whole milk and not low-fat milk, as the higher fat content will result in a creamier ice cream.
Granulated sugar is added to sweeten the ice cream. The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference. Some recipes also call for honey or other sweeteners as an alternative to sugar.
Egg yolks are used to thicken the ice cream base and give it a smooth texture. The yolks are mixed with the sugar and then cooked gently with the milk and cream to create a custard-like mixture. It is important to temper the egg yolks, adding a small amount of the hot liquid to them slowly, to prevent them from curdling.
Steps to Make Fresh Lavender Ice Cream
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients needed to make fresh lavender ice cream. These ingredients include heavy cream, milk, sugar, dried lavender flowers, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and dried lavender flowers. Heat the mixture over low heat until it reaches a simmer. Once it simmers, remove the pan from the heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor into the cream.
Step 3: While the mixture is steeping, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until they become pale yellow in color. Once the steeping time is over, strain the cream mixture to remove the lavender flowers, and slowly pour it into the bowl with the whisked egg yolks, continuously whisking to temper the eggs.
Step 4: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This will take around 10-15 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil.
Step 5: Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the mixture to a container and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to cool and allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: After the mixture has chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. The ice cream should be thick and creamy.
Step 7: Transfer the freshly churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours, or until firm. Once firm, the lavender ice cream is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as is, or garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips from professional chefs on making Fresh Lavender Ice Cream
Creating a perfect Fresh Lavender Ice Cream may seem challenging, but with some expert tips and techniques, you can achieve a delicious and fragrant dessert. Here are some recommendations from professional chefs:
- Use culinary lavender: When making lavender ice cream, it’s important to use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for cooking. Culinary lavender has a milder flavor compared to other varieties, ensuring that it doesn’t overpower the ice cream.
- Infuse the cream and milk: To fully incorporate the delicate lavender flavor, gently heat the cream and milk with the lavender buds. This process allows the flavors to infuse, resulting in a more pronounced lavender taste in the final ice cream.
- Strain the mixture: After infusing the cream and milk with lavender, strain the mixture to remove any solid particles or buds. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the ice cream, without any unwanted bits.
By following these tips, you can create a delightful Fresh Lavender Ice Cream that showcases the unique and refreshing taste of lavender. Remember to experiment with the amount of lavender to find your preferred intensity of flavor, and enjoy this elegant dessert on its own or paired with other complementary flavors.
Reviews
I recently tried the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe and I must say, it was absolutely delightful. The flavor combination of lavender and cream was perfectly balanced, creating a unique and refreshing taste. The lavender added a subtle floral note to the creamy ice cream, making each bite a truly enjoyable experience.
What I loved about this recipe is that it was incredibly easy to make. The ingredients were simple and readily available, and the preparation process was straightforward. The result was a smooth and creamy ice cream that had a velvety texture, making it a perfect summer treat.
The fresh lavender used in the recipe gave the ice cream a beautiful pale purple hue, which added to its visual appeal. The aroma of the lavender was also intoxicating, creating a sensory experience that enhanced the overall enjoyment of the ice cream.
I would highly recommend trying the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe. Whether you’re a fan of lavender or just looking for a unique ice cream flavor to try, this recipe is a winner. It’s a perfect choice for those hot summer days when you’re craving something cool and refreshing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
I recently tried the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe and it was absolutely amazing! The recipe was very easy to follow and the end result was a deliciously creamy and aromatic ice cream that was a perfect balance of sweetness and floral flavors.
The use of fresh lavender in the recipe added a unique and refreshing twist to the traditional ice cream flavor. The lavender infused into the cream gave it a subtle hint of floral fragrance that was incredibly soothing and calming. It was like enjoying a scoop of creamy heaven with a touch of nature’s beauty.
I loved how the recipe allowed me to control the sweetness level of the ice cream. I used just the right amount of sugar to balance out the lavender flavor and it turned out to be a perfect summer treat. The ice cream had a smooth and velvety texture that melted in my mouth, leaving behind a delicate lavender aftertaste.
I would highly recommend trying the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe to anyone who wants to elevate their ice cream game. It’s a unique and delightful flavor that will definitely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a lavender lover or simply looking for a refreshing and different ice cream flavor, this recipe is a must-try. I can’t wait to make another batch and enjoy this exquisite treat all summer long!
The Fresh Lavender Ice Cream is absolutely incredible. As someone who enjoys experimenting with unique flavors in the kitchen, I was instantly drawn to the idea of combining lavender with ice cream. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The first thing that struck me about this ice cream was the vibrant, fresh lavender scent that filled the air as I was preparing it. The recipe called for steeping the lavender in the cream mixture, and the result was an intoxicating aroma that made me even more excited to try the finished product.
When it came time to taste the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream, I was blown away. The flavor was delicate and floral, with just a hint of sweetness. It was like taking a bite out of a summer garden. The texture was smooth and creamy, with a slight creaminess that added a luxurious touch to each spoonful.
I highly recommend trying the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream if you’re looking for a unique and refreshing dessert experience. Whether you’re an adventurous cook or just someone who enjoys trying new flavors, this ice cream is sure to impress. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a warm summer day or to bring a touch of elegance to any dinner party. Trust me, once you try the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream, you’ll never look at ice cream the same way again.
As someone who loves experimenting with flavors and unique combinations, I was thrilled to come across the recipe for Fresh Lavender Ice Cream. I have always been a fan of lavender, with its delicate aroma and soothing properties, so I was curious to see how it would translate into an ice cream flavor.
The recipe was simple and easy to follow, requiring just a handful of ingredients: fresh lavender flowers, cream, milk, sugar, and egg yolks. I started by infusing the cream and milk with the lavender flowers, letting them steep for about 30 minutes to release their fragrant oils. The result was a subtly floral and herbaceous mixture that smelled absolutely divine.
After straining out the lavender flowers, I proceeded to make the ice cream base by whisking together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. I then slowly added in the lavender-infused cream, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth and silky texture. Once the mixture was thoroughly combined, I transferred it to an ice cream maker and let it churn for about 20 minutes, until it reached a soft-serve consistency.
The end result was nothing short of delightful. The Fresh Lavender Ice Cream had a beautiful pale lavender hue, with tiny specks of lavender throughout. The flavor was delicate and nuanced, with the floral notes of the lavender shining through without overpowering the creamy base. It was the perfect balance of sweet and aromatic, a truly unique taste experience.
I highly recommend trying Fresh Lavender Ice Cream for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the soothing properties of lavender while indulging in a refreshing dessert. Whether you’re a lavender lover or simply looking to expand your ice cream repertoire, this recipe is a must-try!
I recently tried the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe and I was blown away by the unique and refreshing flavor it had. As someone who enjoys experimenting with different flavors in ice cream, this recipe definitely stood out to me.
The process of making the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream was relatively simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients. The fresh lavender added a subtle floral taste to the ice cream that was both delicate and delicious. The aroma of the lavender filled my kitchen as I prepared the mixture, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere.
Once the ice cream was ready, I eagerly took my first bite. The texture was incredibly creamy and smooth, just as homemade ice cream should be. The lavender flavor was not overpowering, but rather perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the cream and sugar. It had a hint of herbaceousness that complemented the overall taste, making it a truly unique and enjoyable dessert.
I would highly recommend trying the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe to anyone who is looking for a refreshing and elegant dessert option. It’s a great way to incorporate a touch of sophistication into your homemade ice cream, and it’s guaranteed to impress both yourself and your guests.
I recently had the pleasure of making and tasting the Fresh Lavender Ice Cream recipe, and I must say it was an absolute delight. The combination of the subtle floral notes of the lavender and the creamy, smooth texture of the ice cream made for a unique and refreshing treat.
The recipe itself was fairly straightforward, and I appreciated that it didn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients. I simply steeped dried lavender flowers in warm milk for about 20 minutes to infuse the flavor, then strained it and mixed it with a simple custard base consisting of cream, sugar, and egg yolks. After chilling the mixture in the refrigerator, I poured it into my ice cream maker and let it churn until it reached the perfect consistency.
The end result was a beautifully pale purple ice cream with a gentle floral aroma. The taste was delicate and fragrant, with just the right amount of sweetness. I loved how the lavender flavor was present but not overpowering, allowing the creaminess of the ice cream to shine through. It was the perfect dessert to enjoy on a warm summer evening, and I can’t wait to make it again.