Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups thimbleberries, washed and dried
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Ice cream maker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the thimbleberries, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the berries have broken down, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are light and frothy.
3. Slowly pour the hot berry mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the mixture from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean mixing bowl. Discard the solids.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
8. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, about 20-25 minutes.
9. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
- Freezing time: 2 hours
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 quart of ice cream
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Thimbleberries can be substituted with raspberries or blackberries.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Whole milk can be substituted with skim milk or almond milk.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Vanilla extract can be substituted with almond extract or raspberry liqueur.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture before churning.
- Swirl in raspberry or chocolate sauce after churning for a marbled effect.
- Top with fresh thimbleberries or whipped cream before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to strain the berry mixture to remove any seeds or solids for a smoother ice cream.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning to ensure a creamy texture.
- Freeze the ice cream in a shallow container for faster freezing and easier scooping.
Storage instructions:
- Store the ice cream in a covered container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- Thaw the ice cream in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the ice cream in a waffle cone or bowl.
- Top with fresh thimbleberries or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with raspberry or chocolate sauce.
Garnishes:
- Fresh thimbleberries
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Raspberry or chocolate sauce
Pairings:
- Serve with fresh fruit or a fruit salad.
- Pair with a slice of pound cake or shortbread cookies.
- Enjoy with a glass of sparkling wine or lemonade.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled peaches or pineapple
- Mixed greens salad with a raspberry vinaigrette
- Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ice cream is too soft, freeze it for a longer period of time.
- If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the thimbleberries thoroughly before using.
- Use pasteurized eggs to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Thimbleberries are a wild berry native to North America, and are often used in jams, jellies, and baked goods.
Flavor profiles:
- Thimbleberries have a sweet and slightly tart flavor, similar to raspberries.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the ice cream as a dessert after a summer barbecue or picnic.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Fruity, Tangy, Refreshing