Description
Silky smooth dandelion & honey ice cream blends wild meadow flavors with sweet nectar. Refreshing wildflower notes dance across creamy layers, inviting cool summer memories with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
Sweeteners:
- ½ cup (170 grams) raw honey
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup packed dandelion petals (yellow parts only, green sepals removed)
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Gather fresh dandelion petals and carefully separate them from the green base to ensure a pure, delicate flavor profile.
- Gently warm cream and milk in a saucepan, sprinkling dandelion petals throughout the liquid to create a fragrant herbal infusion.
- Allow the floral mixture to steep quietly, drawing out the subtle essence of the dandelions for approximately 20-30 minutes off the heat.
- Carefully strain the infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve, removing all petal remnants while preserving the delicate herbal notes.
- Whisk egg yolks with golden honey in a separate bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, pale golden consistency.
- Gradually introduce the warm herbal cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling and create a silky base.
- Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, cooking over low heat while stirring constantly until the custard reaches a luxurious, coating consistency.
- Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla and a whisper of salt, enhancing the complex flavor profile of the ice cream.
- Thoroughly chill the custard in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker, churning until it reaches a soft, creamy texture with subtle air incorporation.
- Transfer the freshly churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, allowing it to set and develop its final texture for 24 hours.
- Serve in chilled bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh dandelion petals for an elegant, nature-inspired presentation.
Notes
- Petal Preparation: Gently remove dandelion petals to avoid bitter green parts, ensuring a delicate, sweet flavor profile.
- Steeping Strategy: Use fresh, pesticide-free dandelion flowers picked from clean areas away from road traffic or chemical-treated lawns.
- Texture Tip: Chill the custard thoroughly before churning to achieve a smoother, creamier ice cream consistency.
- Dietary Modification: Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or use alternative sweeteners for specific dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg