Lavender Ice Cream

Lavender Ice Cream Recipe - Vegetarian Food from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lavender ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert that combines the floral notes of lavender with the creamy richness of ice cream. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a refreshing and elegant treat on a hot summer day.

History

Lavender has been used in cooking for centuries, prized for its aromatic and soothing properties. The use of lavender in ice cream dates back to the 17th century in France, where it was often used in desserts and confections. Today, lavender ice cream is a popular choice for those looking for a sophisticated and flavorful dessert option.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of egg substitute, like egg beaters
2 cup of heavy whipping cream (pint container)
1.75 cup of whole milk
1.5 tsp of vanilla extract
0.5 vanilla bean - Slit open and scrape out seeds
2 tbsp of organic lavender buds

How to prepare

Place 0.5 vanilla bean and lavender in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add milk and microwave for one minute.
Cool and let it infuse for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Pour the mixture through a strainer lined with a coffee filter.
Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to make ice cream.
Place sugar and egg substitute in a large mixing bowl and beat for 2–3 minutes on medium speed.
Add whipping cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix for 1 minute on medium speed or until combined.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine following your manufacturer's instructions.
Turn on the machine and run it for 25–35 minutes.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2 hours or until firm.

Variations

For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream and whole milk.
Add a touch of honey or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to strain the lavender-infused milk mixture to remove any solid pieces before adding it to the ice cream base.

- Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your ice cream machine to ensure the best results.

- For a stronger lavender flavor, you can increase the amount of lavender buds used in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lavender ice cream in a chilled bowl with a sprig of fresh lavender on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with shortbread cookies or a slice of lemon pound cake for a delightful dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Infusing the milk with lavender and vanilla adds a subtle and aromatic flavor to the ice cream. Be sure to strain the mixture before adding it to the ice cream base for a smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to fresh lavender, you can use dried lavender buds instead. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lavender-infused milk mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the ice cream.

Presentation Ideas

Serve lavender ice cream in elegant glass bowls or vintage ice cream dishes for a sophisticated touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of lavender buds or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lavender ice cream pairs well with a variety of desserts, such as lemon bars, fruit tarts, or almond biscotti. For a refreshing twist, serve it alongside a glass of lavender-infused lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover lavender ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lavender ice cream contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lavender ice cream contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lavender ice cream contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of lavender ice cream contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lavender ice cream is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and eggs.

Summary

Lavender ice cream is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Lavender ice cream is a delightful and elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its unique flavor and creamy texture, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Lavender Ice Cream. It was a warm summer day, with the smell of fresh lavender wafting through the air. I was visiting my dear friend Elizabeth's cottage in the countryside, and she had just returned from her garden with a basket full of fragrant lavender blooms.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she began to tell me about a recipe she had recently come across for lavender-infused ice cream. Her eyes lit up as she described the delicate floral flavor and creamy texture of the dessert. I was intrigued - I had never tasted lavender in an ice cream before.

Elizabeth graciously offered to teach me how to make it, and we spent the afternoon harvesting lavender from her garden and preparing the ingredients. As we stirred the mixture on the stovetop, the scent of lavender filled the air, calming and soothing us both.

After letting the mixture cool, we poured it into an ice cream maker and eagerly waited for it to churn into a velvety, lavender-infused treat. The ice cream was a beautiful pale purple color, with specks of lavender throughout. As we scooped it into bowls and took our first bites, I was transported to a field of blooming lavender in the French countryside.

From that moment on, lavender ice cream became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. Whenever I wanted to transport myself back to that warm summer day at Elizabeth's cottage, I would whip up a batch of lavender ice cream and savor every spoonful.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time receiving rave reviews. It has become a signature dish of mine, a reminder of the simple joys of cooking and the beauty of nature's flavors.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, a fresh batch of lavender ice cream churning away in the ice cream maker, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The taste of lavender on my tongue, the sound of laughter in Elizabeth's kitchen, the warmth of a summer day spent with dear friends - all captured in a simple scoop of ice cream.

I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this recipe, and for the many hours spent perfecting it in my own kitchen. Cooking has always been a source of joy and comfort for me, and this recipe for lavender ice cream is a perfect example of that.

So as I take my first bite of freshly churned lavender ice cream, I savor the delicate floral notes and creamy texture, and I am reminded once again of the simple pleasure of sharing a homemade treat with loved ones. Life is sweeter with a scoop of lavender ice cream in hand.