Well I warned you all didn't I? When the Big Guy's away it's a sure thing dinner for one will involve something totally useless as far as nutrition goes and since the freezer wasn't holding on to a bag of peas, ice cream was the only choice.
I admit I made this one earlier in the week in anticipation of the man of the house's departure, especially since it has everything in it that I knew he'd enjoy. If it sounds a trifle weird, don't despair. This is some kinda' wonderful ice cream.
A simple custard of whole milk, whipping cream and eggs along with brown sugar, the real deal here's about the nuts. I mean who would ever think one could add walnuts toasted with cayenne and freshly ground black pepper to ice cream of all things, but while the ice cream in its maiden form is just fine, it's quite the flavor vixen with the addition of the nuts.
Just a word of warning - the complexity of it really changes over time in the freezer. The first night the predominant spark was from the cayenne pepper which literally screamed to the taste buds. I was all ready to bring out the brandy to help with the enjoyment of the second bowlful 48 hours later but darned if the hit from the cayenne had all but disappeared. Black pepper was front and center. As for the rest of the container, I'm saving it for the Big Guy to enjoy because he really liked it! Of course the guy with the asbestos mouth would, now wouldn't he.
There's nothing subtle about this ice cream people, but for heaven's sake, don't leave out the spiced walnuts. They really make the dish. It's great on its own but would be amazing on top of a hunk of warm spicy gingerbread too.
By the way, just so you know, I used 3 whole eggs rather than 6 yolks for my version of this dish. I mean, other than making meringue or angel food, what on earth am I going to do with 6 leftover whites because as you can tell, we're not much into egg white omelets around here. Knock yourself out if you want to use all yolks, but quite honestly I don't see much difference in end result, but then again I've never compared the two.
Brown Sugar Ice Cream with Cayenne Spiced Walnuts (adapted from Bon Appetit via epicurious.com)
The flavors of this ice cream really change over time with the cayenne heat all but disappearing after 24 hours. To enjoy the complexity of the flavors, serve as soon as possible.
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup packed golden brown sugar
Dash salt
6 large egg yolks or 3 whole eggs
Bring milk and cream to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk sugar, egg yolks and salt in a medium bowl until well blended then gradually add warmed milk/cream to bowl, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return all to the pot and cook over medium low heat stirring constantly until mixture reaches 170 on a thermometer. Do not allow mixture to boil. Put through a sieve into a clean bowl and refrigerate covered until very cold (or overnight).
1 cup walnut pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine walnut pieces with oil and spices. Pour into a heavy skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring constantly until walnuts are golden brown. Remove to a sheet pan and cool.
Process cooled custard as per ice cream maker’s instructions. Add walnuts during last 5 minutes. Transfer to a container and freeze for 5 hours before serving. Download Brown Sugar Ice Cream with Cayenne Spiced Walnuts
Dave and I both gave up sweets for Lent but I'm wondering if because this is laced with heat from the pepper if we could pass this off as regular fare and not dessert? Please say yes.
Posted by: Mags | 04/09/2011 at 03:01 PM
YES - I'll change the category and put it under "Breakfast" if that'll make it work. I mean, it does have eggs and dairy in it - ha.
Posted by: June | 04/09/2011 at 04:14 PM
I just made my first sorbet of the season, and this is going next on my list!!
Posted by: pam | 04/09/2011 at 06:10 PM
You had me at ice cream and then I went all the way to heaven at cayenne!!!!!!!!! I want my ice cream maker found like yesterday - still haven't found it since moving here from Montana - ohhhhhh 4 years ago...
Posted by: Nanan | 04/10/2011 at 04:23 AM
Pam - this is amazing. Honestly! Let me know what you think, OK?
Lea - I love my ice cream maker. The Big Guy bought it for me for Christmas and I'm amazed at the quality of stuff that comes out of it. Course I guess it's kind of like...quality in, quality out, but you know what I mean! I'd say it's worth hitting Amazon for a new one! I often wish I had 2. Tee,hee.
Posted by: June | 04/10/2011 at 06:48 AM
Good thing that I don't live close to you... Big Guy would never have any left to eat :o))
Posted by: Mary from Apron Strings & Wedding Rings | 04/10/2011 at 07:53 AM
Do tell - which one exactly - my sweet Camille Ana loves her Chocolate Ice Creams - about a 1/4 cup when she gets back from school most days! We could make it - she would love that!!!
Posted by: Nanan | 04/10/2011 at 09:40 AM
Mary - Big Guy already suffers from that problem with me.LOL, but we could sure have "spoon fights" together.
Lea - We got a Cuisinart, Ice 21 - 1-1/2 quart and I love it; Amazon has the machine for $43.00 today. You have to freeze the freezer bowl for 12 to 24 hours before you make ice cream, (I just store it there) but once you make your ice cream base and chill it, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the machine and comes out kinda of like a soft serve so needs to hit the freezer to harden for a few hours after. Camille Ana would love it...also makes frozen yogurt...or frozen eggnog ice cream...or... (By the way, Amazon does not pay me for the recommendations - I just hate going to stores and I love their free shipping for stuff over $25).
Posted by: June | 04/10/2011 at 10:55 AM