Desserts > Frozen Treats

Choke Cherry Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups choke cherries, pitted and mashed
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Equipment Needed:
- Ice cream maker
- Fine mesh strainer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mashed choke cherries, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot choke cherry mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

3. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining choke cherry mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Discard any solids left in the strainer.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.

6. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, about 20-25 minutes.

7. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
- Freezing time: 2 hours
Temperature:
- Simmer over medium heat
- Chill in the refrigerator
- Freeze in the freezer
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 quart of ice cream
- Serving size: 1/2 cup

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Sugar: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Choke cherries can be substituted with any other tart fruit, such as raspberries or cranberries.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
- Swirl in some caramel or fudge sauce for a decadent treat.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a summery dessert.

Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to strain the mixture before churning to remove any solids and ensure a smooth texture.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning for the best results.
- Freeze the ice cream in a shallow container for faster freezing and easier scooping.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

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

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the ice cream in a chilled bowl or cone.
- Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Chopped nuts

Pairings:
- Serve with a slice of pie or cake for a delicious dessert.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a sophisticated treat.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Grilled peaches
- Shortbread cookies

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mixture curdles while cooking, remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids.
- If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the egg yolks to a safe temperature of 160°F to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.

Food History:
- Choke cherries are a native North American fruit that have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for food and medicine.

Flavor Profiles:
- Tart, sweet, creamy

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Tangy, Fruity, Tart