I *almost* missed the photo op for this one. I managed to snag a photo as one of the girls was cleaning the rest of the ice cream out of the maker.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Originally found at Joy Of Baking
2 cups half-and-half
5 large egg yolks
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
In a stainless steel bowl beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy (about two minutes). In a small saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring the half-and-half to the scalding point (the milk begins to foam up). Gradually pour the scalding half-and-half into the whipped egg yolk mixture, making sure you keep whisking constantly so the eggs don't curdle. If any lumps do form, strain the mixture first before heating.
Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook until the custard thickens enough that it coats the back of a spoon (170 degrees F) (77 degrees C). The term 'coat a spoon' is a technique used mainly as a way to test when an egg-based custard or sauce is done. A spoon, usually wooden, is placed in the custard and, when the spoon is raised, the film of custard on the back of the spoon will stay in place even when you draw a line with your finger through the middle of the custard.
Immediately remove the custard from the heat and continue to stir the custard for a few minutes so it does not overcook. At this point stir in the vanilla extract. Cover and let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate the custard until it is completely cold (several hours but preferably overnight).
Transfer the cold custard to the chilled container of your ice cream machine and process according to the manufacturer's instructions. Freeze until firm.
My Notes:
I was nervous about this one. I don't have a plain stainless steel bowl that I can put over water, so I ended up putting the custard directly over the heat, and it came out slightly lumpy. So, I strained it to get some of the chunks out, and it seemed to turn out okay. It was the first ice cream that was gone, at least.
I must say, having tried to make ice cream without the ice cream maker, and then with it... it's so much easier with the ice cream maker, and it takes so much less time. We ate it right away, when it was still in the soft serve consistency. It's a little on the bland side for just ice cream, so I highly suggest mixing something in with it, but it's good either way.
