Earl Grey Infusion Ice Cream

In the heart of Britain’s teatime tradition lies a flavor that has transcended the confines of the teapot and found its way into an unexpected delight—the Earl Grey Infusion Ice Cream. This enchanting frozen treat pays homage to the quintessential British tea, combining the fragrant elegance of Earl Grey with the cool embrace of ice cream. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the refined charm of this uniquely British dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Tea Infusion Elegance:

• In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
• Add the Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea to the mixture, allowing their fragrant notes to infuse the cream. Steep for about 10 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preference for tea strength.

2. Craft the Custard:

• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and slightly thickened.
• Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose-leaf tea, ensuring a smooth cream mixture. Discard the tea.
• Slowly pour the tea-infused cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously.

3. Flavorful Finesse:

• Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
• Once the custard is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Stir in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, harmonizing the flavors.

4. Chill and Churn:

• Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight. This allows the tea essence to infuse deeply.
• After chilling, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, resulting in a luxurious ice cream texture.

5. Freeze to Perfection:

• Transfer the freshly churned Earl Grey Infusion ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for a few hours, or until it reaches your desired firmness.

6. Serve and Savor:

• Scoop this elegant creation into bowls or cones, and relish the harmonious blend of Earl Grey’s delicate aroma and the creamy embrace of ice cream.