There’s something enchanting about indulging in a scoop of ice cream on a warm, sunny day, but have you ever tried the luxurious combination of lavender and honey swirling together in a creamy delight? Picture this: it’s evening and the sun is setting, casting a golden hue over your backyard. You’re seated on your porch, the faint scent of blooming flowers wafting through the air, and you take a spoonful of homemade Lavender Honey Ice Cream. It’s a moment of pure bliss. I remember the first time I made this fragrant ice cream; it felt like summer in a bowl, with sweetness and herbal notes dancing on my palate. This delightful treat not only cools you down but also elevates your spirits.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling)
- Portion Size: Serves 6
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 36g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why You’ll Love This Lavender Honey Ice Cream
This Lavender Honey Ice Cream is a showstopper – not only for its unique flavor but also for how effortlessly it transforms any dessert table into a culinary experience. The floral notes of lavender intermingle perfectly with the sweetness of honey, transporting you straight to a serene lavender field in Provence. It’s the perfect balance between creamy delight and refreshing taste, making it a wonderful ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon snack. Plus, it’s a simple homemade treat that impresses family and friends – trust me, they won’t forget your magical creation!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Every lovely dish has a story, and this Lavender Honey Ice Cream is no exception. We start by gently steeping dried lavender in a fragrant mixture of cream, milk, and honey. As the calming scent fills your kitchen, you’ll find that cooking can be as soothing as any spa day. Whisking egg yolks into the rich mixture is a transformative act – it thickens the base, giving it that luscious mouthfeel we crave. After a bit of chilling and churning, you’ll be rewarded with a homemade ice cream that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
Method:
Step 1: Combine the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, dried lavender, honey, and salt. Heat over medium until it just begins to simmer.
Step 2: Steep the Lavender
Remove from heat and let steep for about 30 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse its lovely aroma into the cream.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re nice and smooth, preparing them for their creamy transformation.
Step 4: Mix and Temper the Eggs
Gradually add the cooled cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to combine and keep it silky smooth.
Step 5: Cook the Mixture
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, creating a luscious custard.
Step 6: Strain and Remove Lavender
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender flowers, ensuring a smooth texture.
Step 7: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of warmth and depth in flavor.
Step 8: Chill in the Refrigerator
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up before churning.
Step 9: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Step 10: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm, ready to scoop and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Lavender Honey Ice Cream simply in a bowl, or elevate it by drizzling additional honey on top. It pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies or a slice of lemon tart for a refreshing dessert duo. For a more adventurous pairing, consider adding fresh berries or a sprinkle of nut brittle to add texture and flavor.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. For best results, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Choosing Lavender: Ensure you’re using culinary-grade dried lavender that’s safe for consumption.
- Egg Yolk Whisking: It’s essential to whisk the yolks well to prevent scrambling when you mix in the hot liquid.
- Chilling Time: Be patient! Chilling the base is crucial for getting the perfect creamy texture once churned.
- Ice Cream Maker Tips: Don’t overfill your ice cream maker; it needs room for the base to expand as it churns.
- Tasting: Always taste the mixture before freezing to adjust sweetness or flavor, ensuring it’s perfect for your palate.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to experiment with flavor variations! Try infusing the cream with fresh lemon zest for a citrus twist, or swap the lavender for fresh mint leaves for a refreshing mint honey ice cream. For a richer flavor, incorporate crushed chocolate or add a swirl of berry compote before freezing.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I skip the egg yolks?
Yes, you can make a no-cook version using sweetened condensed milk instead, but the texture will differ. - What if I can’t find dried lavender?
You can use lavender extract as a substitute, just be sure to use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated. - Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Absolutely! Pour the mixture into a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until it’s firm for a homemade ice cream texture. - Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, but always ensure the honey is suitable for the age group you’re serving, as honey should not be given to those under one year old. - How can I make this vegan?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, use plant-based milk, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – a delightful, elegant treat that’s sure to charm your taste buds and impress anyone fortunate enough to share in the experience. Lavender Honey Ice Cream isn’t just dessert; it’s a soothing escape that carries with it memories of warm days and fragrant gardens. Take a moment for yourself, whip up this extraordinary creation, and savor every beautiful spoonful. Happy cooking!
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Lavender Honey Ice Cream
- Total Time: 160 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful homemade ice cream combining lavender and honey for a refreshing and elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, dried lavender, honey, and salt. Heat over medium until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and let steep for about 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
- Gradually add the cooled cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens slightly.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender flowers.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze until firm.
Notes
Ensure culinary-grade lavender is used. Beware of serving honey to children under one year old.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
