With the arrival of summer comes my NEED to make ice cream. I am way overdue to include an ice cream recipe. I was shocked to realize my last ice cream was posted just over a year ago. Well good news…I made 3 ice creams last weekend, 2 of which are quite exotic in flavor. Here is the first one, a Kaffir Lime Ginger and Gin Ice Cream, and keep an eye out for the other two recipes coming soon.
True I did just post a Lemonade Iced Tea Sorbet recently, but it is not the same as an unctuous frozen custard. But what favor should I make? Following a shopping spree in Chinatown I was left with an abundance of fresh kaffir lime leaves. One can usually find them at your nearest Asian market.
The kaffir lime leaves have a distinctively double leaf shape and they are extremely fragrant when added to pastes, soups, stews or steamed dishes. I also like to add a bruised leaf to a pitcher of water. Actually just gently chewing the leaf is good too.
As I was searching for recipes that use these leaves I came across this most fragrant looking ice cream recipe. I did slightly modify it by cutting the sugar a bit and the salt. I like to consider myself an ice cream snob and I favor exotic concoctions. I have made some really weird ones, resulting in as many fails and successes.
This kaffir ice cream, I really must say, is in the top 3 of the best ice cream flavors I have ever enjoyed. Seriously, it is very addictive!
What is the most unusual ice cream flavor you have ever tried?
Kaffir Lime Ginger and Gin Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups 25% cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 20 kaffir lime leaves bruised slightly
- 2 inches ginger thinly sliced
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons gin
- 1 teaspoon rosewater optional
- a good pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine cream and milk in a medium saucepan. Add the leaves and ginger, and place over a medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let it steep for 40 minutes. Strainer out the leaves and ginger.
- Whisk well the egg yolks, sugar and salt together until light in color and thick. Add a bit of the steeped mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly, to temper. Add the eggs to the mixture in the saucepan. On a low heat cook while stirring and scrapping the bottom until it coats the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in gin and rosewater.
- Chill completely in refrigerator. Pour mixture into an ice-cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's manual. Place in a covered container and freeze until firm.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments on this one!
Rosewater has such a beautiful fragrance! I love the flavors in this ice cream, plus it is ice cream who can say no to this?
I want this ice cream! I bought some kaffir lime leaf powder a while back and have fallen in love with that unique flavor. I’ve put it in a couple of savory dishes, but nothing sweet. I bet this ice cream is awesome!!
I LOVE kaffir Lime and Ginger. I know how gorgeous this ice cream would taste. Such an beautiful recipe.
Kaffir – I would love to use it! The name of this ice cream not only make me curious to try but it sounds delicious… How could I resist when I look at the photo too! Sounds very refreshing and unique. Love your creation. It’s fun, and intrigue my cooking curiosity!
Such a sophisticated, gorgeous sounding ice cream Eve! You guys have had such a long winter I’m glad that you’re having some well deserved warmth! 😀
Just reading the name of this delightful summer treat makes my mouth water.
Never used kaffir lime leaves for cooking but I imagine that the taste is very refreshing and refined.
Thanks fr the inspiration , I ‘ll try out this recipe soon, we get lots of fresh limes over here.
we loved every thing about this ice cream…they are really exotic in flavor…taste refreshing…the lime leaf decoration looks beautiful,addition of rose water makes us always happy and this treat looks absolutely creamy….can imagine how perfectly the flavors pair with each other…never thought of such Asian inspired ice creams before…an inspiring post as always….and we are so waiting for the rest two recipes too,thanks 🙂
Wow, that does sound good!
Sounds exotic to me…not to mention deliciously refreshing, Evelyne.
BTW…I just saw Bridesmaids. I cried, I laughed…I had a great time! Loved it!!
ela h.
Thanks Ela. Oh so happy you saw the movie 🙂
What exotic flavours! I have never seen fresh kaffir lime leaves here…the ice cream looks really smooth and creamy.
Thanks Angie, yes it is the creamiest one I have ever made.