Imagine a dessert that transports you to the enchanting forests of Germany with just one spoonful - that's exactly what Sweet Woodruff Ice Cream promises! This extraordinary frozen delicacy isn't just another ordinary ice cream; it's a delicate, herbaceous journey that will awaken your taste buds and surprise your senses. With its unique botanical flavor and creamy texture, this recipe transforms a traditional herb into a luxurious dessert that's both sophisticated and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried woodruff
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, dried woodruff, and salt. Whisk the mixture gently to ensure sugar begins to dissolve.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring occasionally. Heat until the mixture is steaming and just about to simmer, but do not allow it to boil.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the woodruff steep in the hot cream mixture for 15-20 minutes. This allows the herb to infuse its delicate flavor into the base.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently on the woodruff to extract maximum flavor. Discard the used woodruff herbs.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill completely.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to firm up.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips
- Use high-quality dried woodruff for the most authentic flavor profile
- Ensure your cream mixture is heated gently to prevent scorching
- Allow sufficient steeping time to extract maximum herbal essence
- Chill the base thoroughly before churning for optimal texture
- Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor cream mixture temperature
- For best results, use a high-quality ice cream maker
- Store ice cream in an airtight container to preserve freshness
- Experiment with garnishing with fresh woodruff leaves for presentation
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 592kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 126mg
