Sunday, January 24, 2010

Balsamic-Brown Sugar Ice Cream

I'm back, did you miss me? It only took 14 days to get over a horrible cold that apparently came over from Europe. To celebrate I have decided to treat you to a delicious and uniquely flavored ice cream, balsamic and brown sugar.
I went to the Farmer's Market and happened upon a beautiful stand carrying white truffle oil and aged balsamic vinegar. I spoke to the sales person for a short time and was impressed with the flavor and quality of the products. The conversation led to a promise to experiment with the product and perhaps post a recipe and a link to purchase the product.

The aged balsamic was beautifully balanced, it reduced to a thick syrup perfect for sweet or savory preparations. Visit http://www.spenger.com/ , I used the Heirloom Balsamic Vinegar.



Brown Sugar Balsamic Ice Cream
adapted from Bon Appetit
Makes 1 quart

1 1/2 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 vanilla bean
6 large egg yolks
1/2 c. Bistro Blends Heirloom Balsamic Vinegar

Combine milk, cream, brown sugar and split vanilla bean (scraped) in large sauce pan. Bring to slow simmer until sugar is dissolved.
Whisk yolks and remaining brown sugar until thick and creamy. Slowly add hot cream mixture into egg mixture, whisking until combined. Pour mixture back into sauce pan and heat for 3-4 minutes to 180 degrees. Do not boil!!!
Strain mixture into a small bowl place over a large bowl of ice. Whisk until cooled. Cover and chill over night.
Reduce 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in sauce pan 7-9 minutes until thick and syrupy. Cool and cover.
Place custard mixture into ice cream maker and mix according to manufacturers instructions. Add balsamic the last 5-10 seconds to swirl.
Freeze 6-8 hours.

*Serve with handmade chocolate truffles, the chocolate is the perfect compliment to the balsamic vinegar.

21 comments:

chow and chatter said...

oh i like the sound of this oh so sorry you were not well, love your new profile pic by the way Rebecca

Sook said...

I would have never thought of adding balsamic vinegar to an icecream recipe! Sounds great!

Chef E said...

Feel better, and this ice cream screams at me to try it!!!

Rachel Cotterill said...

Mmm, that sounds amazing :)

Anonymous said...

Hope you're feeling better now! This ice cream sounds incredible with balsamic vinegar, definitely a must try!

Sippity Sup said...

I adore balsamic when reduced in this manner. Great usage of quality products. GREG

figtree said...

Time to break out my ice cream maker! YUM

The Cooking Photographer said...

I hope you're feeling better soon. Huggss. This ice-cream sounds like a good pick-me-up thought. :)

Laura

Kathleen said...

Oh my this sounds so incredible!

Fresh Local and Best said...

This ice cream sounds so intriguing. I'd love to have access to that balsamic vinegar. Glad to hear you're feeling better!

Reeni said...

What a unique and delicious-sounding ice cream! I'm glad your feeling better!

Barbara said...

Sounds wonderful. I love balsamic vinegar reduced and poured over fruit. Bet this ice cream would be super with fruit!

Sagacious said...

I love the sound of this I can only imagine how good this flavor combo is. Thanks for sharing - now I gotta try!

Delicious Dishings said...

That definitely sounds heavenly. I'm collecting ice cream recipes since I just recently got an ice cream maker. This one's going on the list!

Anonymous said...
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Velva said...

This sounds absolutely wonderful! What an amazing blend of flavor. I adore balsamic vinegar and when reduced is so flavorful and rich.

Cheers to you! This is a wonderful and elegant ice cream.

Laura in Paris said...

I never use balsamic vinegar ... I have a bottle of very high uality one given to me by a friend .. I have to try your recipe ...

Jennie said...

Oh my gosh Sarah! This sounds incredible! Bookmarking it now!

I hope you're feeling better by the way.

Mireya said...

Yuck, I hate stubborn colds! Glad you are feeling better!

Angie's Recipes said...

Balsamic vinegar in ice cream?! Now I am seriously curious and intrigued...

Esi said...

I have had this saved for a while. I want to make it soon!