Fresh Ginger Ice Cream

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cut the ginger in half lengthwise (making it more stable for slicing), and then cut it into thin slices. Place the ginger in a medium, nonreactive saucepan. Add enough water to cover the ginger by about 1/2 inch (2 cm), and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then drain, discarding the liquid.

   Step 2

   Return the blanched ginger slices to the saucepan, then add the milk, 1 cup (250 ml) of the cream, sugar, and salt. Warm the mixture, cover, and remove from the heat. Let steep at room temperature for 1 hour.

   Step 3

   Rewarm the mixture. Remove the ginger slices with a slotted spoon and discard. Pour the remaining 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream into a large bowl and set a mesh strainer on top.

   Step 4

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan.

   Step 5

   Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula. Pour the custard through the strainer and stir it into the cream. Stir until cool over an ice bath.

   Step 6

   Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Variation

   Step 7

   To make Lemon–Fresh Ginger Ice Cream, grind the zest of 2 lemons with the sugar in a blender or food processor and warm it with the milk.

3. Perfect Pairings

   Step 8

   Make Ginger and Candied Lemon Ice Cream by draining a handful of Candied Lemon Slices (page 214), coarsely chopping them, and folding them into the just-churned ice cream.

4. Step 9

   For Ginger-Gingersnap Ice Cream, mix in one recipe of Speculoos (page 208).