Toasted Almond Gelato
An Italian ice cream, gelato has a dense texture and intense flavor because less air is incorporated during churning.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups slivered almonds, toasted
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Directions
Infuse the milk and cream
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk, cream and almonds until a few bubbles appear along the edge of the pan. Remove from the heat and let steep for at least 15 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a liquid measuring pitcher.
Prepare the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and lightened in color, 3 to 4 minutes. While whisking constantly, pour the milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
Return the mixture to the pan, set over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and reaches 170°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Do not let the custard boil. Pour the custard into a bowl and let cool, then cover and refrigerate until very cold, at least 5 hours or up to overnight.
Churn and freeze the ice cream
Transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer the gelato to an airtight container, press a layer of plastic wrap onto the surface and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours. Let the gelato soften slightly before serving. Makes about 1 quart.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, Desserts, by Elinor Klivans (Oxmoor House, 2007).
