Thursday, August 28, 2014

Week 34: Nougat Ice Cream

The Recipe
150g soft nougat
4 egg yolks
1dl sugar
5dl cream
2 egg whites
Chopped almonds.

Soften the nougat in a water bath. Let it cool down.
Mix the egg yolks and the sugar until creamy white. Whip the cream and egg whites in separate bowls.
Mix the softened nougat with the egg yolks. Fold in the whipped cream and finally the whipped egg whites.

Proceed according to the ice cream maker's instructions. After about half the time, add the chopped almonds.

The Verdict
Very creamy and very, VERY rich! I didn't care too much for it, simply because it was too rich for me - the taste couldn't be faulted :) DH loved it :)

Monday, August 18, 2014

Week 33: Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate and Almonds

The Recipe
4 egg yolks
120g sugar
2.5dl milk
2.5dl cream
2 vanilla pods
50g almonds
1 tsp butter
1 tsp honey
50g chopped dark chocolate.

Split open the vanilla pods and separate seeds from pods - don't discard the pods!
Mix egg yolks together with sugar and vanilla seeds.

Bring milk and cream to a boil together with the vanilla pods. Remove the pods and let the milk cool down a bit.

Whip the eggs vigorously while slowly adding the milk - a little at a time.

Pour the mixture back into the pot and let it stand on very low heat until it's thick and creamy. Let it cool completely - preferably to the following day.

Meanwhile, prepare the almonds - chop them finely and roast them on a pan in melted butter and honey. Let them cool down completely.

Proceed according to the ice cream maker's instructions. After about half the time, add the almonds and the chopped chocolate.

The Verdict
So. GOOD!!! Definitely one of my favourites, and DEFINITELY one that will be made again and again and again...

It's a bit more complicated than some of the other ice creams I've made, but the end result is definitely worth it.

Week 32: Chocolate Ice Cream with Baileys

The Recipe
100g dark chocolate
2 egg whites
2 egg yolks
A dash of vanilla
0.5dl sugar
2dl yogurt naturel
1 tbsp Bailey
2dl cream

Whisk the yolks together with vanilla and half the sugar.
Melt the chocolate (I used the microwave - just be careful you don't burn it!)
Mix together Bailey, chocolate and egg yolks while whisking thoroughly.
In a second bowl, whip the cream and mix in the yogurt.
In a third bowl, whip the egg whites together with the rest of the sugar.
Carefully fold whipped cream and egg whites into the chocolate mix.

Proceed according to the ice cream maker's instructions.

The Verdict
Really good! Tasted more of chocolate than of Baileys, but still - really good :)
I've made this twice - the first time I accidentally left out the egg whites - it's definitely better with :)

Week 31: Caramel Ice Cream

The Recipe
100g sugar, divided
5dl cream, divided 1-4
75g chopped walnuts
1 tsp sea salt
4 egg yolks

Melt half the sugar on a pan over medium heat. This will take awhile, resist the urge to touch it as it's melting, but keep an eye on it - suddenly it's done! Slowly add 1dl cream and bring to a boil. The cold cream will make the caramel stiffen, but it'll soften again after a bit. Add walnuts and let the mixture cool down. The caramel will stiffen a bit as it cools, but it should end up being sticky rather than hard caramel.

Mix egg yolks and sugar until the egg is creamy white. Add the caramel and whisk it until the eggs and the caramel is thoroughly mixed.
In a different bowl whip the cream and add the salt. Carefully fold this into the caramel mix.

Proceed according to the ice cream maker's instructions.

The Verdict
I made this for my DH as he loves caramel ice cream. I've always claimed I didn't like caramel ice cream. I don't like (most) caramels, so it would stand to reason I don't like the ice cream either.

I think a truer statement would be that I don't like most storebought caramel ice cream, because this? This was awesome!!! DEFINITELY something I'll make again!