Desserts > Pear Desserts

Birch-Leaved Pear and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 ripe birch-leaved pears, peeled and diced

Special equipment needed:
- Ice cream maker

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla bean. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light and frothy.
3. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove the vanilla bean and discard.
6. Add the diced pears to the mixture and stir to combine.
7. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
8. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Churning time: 20-30 minutes
- Freezing time: 4-6 hours
Temperature:
- Heat cream mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Heat egg yolk mixture over low heat.
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 quart of ice cream.
- Serving size is about 1/2 cup.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Birch-leaved pears can be substituted with any ripe pear variety.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture before churning.
- Substitute the vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the ice cream mixture is completely cooled before churning to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- For a stronger pear flavor, puree the diced pears before adding them to the mixture.

Storage instructions:
- Store the ice cream in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Keep the ice cream in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
- Allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the ice cream in a chilled bowl or cone.
- Top with fresh pear slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Garnishes:
- Fresh pear slices
- Cinnamon
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips

Pairings:
- Serve with a slice of pear tart or a warm fruit crisp.

Suggested side dishes:
- A light salad or fruit plate.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ice cream is too hard, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- If the ice cream is too soft, return it to the freezer for a few minutes before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the egg yolk mixture over low heat to avoid curdling.
- Store the ice cream in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn.

Food history:
- Pear and vanilla have been a classic flavor combination in French cuisine for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, creamy, and fruity with a hint of vanilla.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a refreshing dessert after a summer meal.

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Fruity, Vanilla, Nutty