Vanilla Pod Ice Cream

In the enchanting world of frozen delights, there’s one flavor that stands as a timeless classic—the Vanilla Pod Ice Cream. This exquisite creation captures the essence of simplicity, elegance, and pure indulgence. Join us on a journey to discover the velvety sophistication of this beloved British treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean pod
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Bean:

• Begin by laying the vanilla bean pod flat on your cutting board.
• With a graceful touch, delicately split the pod lengthwise.
• Using the back of your knife, coax out the minuscule black seeds, the precious vanilla caviar, hidden within.

2. Infuse the Cream:

• In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Stir until it’s warm but not boiling.
• Add the scraped vanilla caviar and the empty vanilla pod to the mixture, allowing the flavors to infuse. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 30 minutes.

3. Whip Up the Custard:

• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
• Carefully remove the vanilla pod from the infused cream mixture, and then slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking.
• 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.

4. Chill and Blend:

• Once the custard is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Add the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring gently.
• Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Churn to Perfection:

• Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, resulting in a creamy, frozen delight.

6. Freeze to Set:

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

7. Serve and Savor:

• When ready to serve, scoop out the Vanilla Pod Ice Cream into bowls or cones, and relish the pure, heavenly essence of vanilla.