Espresso Ice Cream

We're only a few days away from Labor Day and a visit from my favorite sister and her hubby. No multi-course wine dinner for them this trip (sorry guys), but I thought I would prepare a few homemade treats - the first being Espresso Ice Cream. This recipe is adapted from one of my favorite chefs from the Food Network, Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa).



Espresso Ice Cream
Makes 1 quart

Click Here for Printable Recipe

3 cups half-and-half
6 extra-large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 tablespoons ground espresso coffee beans
(Be sure you use finely ground espresso beans, not instant espresso)
1 tablespoon Kahlua liqueur
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 Heat the half-and-half until it forms bubbles around the edge of the pan and steam starts to rise. Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until mixed. Slowly add the hot half-and-half until combined. Wipe out the pan and pour the mixture back into the clean pan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 10 minutes, until it's thickened and the cream coats the back of the spoon.



2 Pour the cream through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl. Add the ground espresso beans, Kahlua, and vanilla and refrigerate until completely chilled.

3 Pour the espresso cream into an ice-cream freezer and freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. Spoon into a container, and allow to freeze for a few hours. Soften slightly before serving.