The memory is as vivid as the first taste. I was maybe ten years old, vacationing with my family in Maine. We stumbled upon a tiny, family-run ice cream shop tucked away in a cove. The air smelled of salt and sugar. My grandfather, a notoriously picky eater, ordered the lemon ice cream. One spoonful, and his face transformed. A slight pucker, then a smile of pure joy. That day, lemon ice cream became synonymous with summer, family, and the simple pleasure of something perfectly tart and sweet.
In a saucepan, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and eggs. Ensure the eggs are fully incorporated to create a smooth base.
Whisk in 1 cup of the half-and-half and the vanilla. This helps to temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling later on.
Cook the mixture over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, until it just comes to a simmer. It’s crucial to whisk continuously to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, even custard. The mixture will thicken slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on the zest. This removes any cooked egg particles or larger pieces of zest, resulting in an exceptionally smooth ice cream.
Chill the strained custard, covered with plastic wrap, until it is completely cold. Press the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. This chilling process is essential for achieving the correct consistency during freezing. Allow at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Whisk in the remaining 1 cup half-and-half into the chilled custard. This adjusts the final richness and creaminess of the mixture before freezing.
Freeze the mixture in an ice-cream freezer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves churning for about 20-30 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Transport yourself to sun-drenched summers with our Deliciously Tart Lemon Ice Cream. This isn't just any frozen dessert; it's a vibrant, palate-cleansing experience reminiscent of childhood joys and simple pleasures. Imagine the perfect balance – a delightful pucker from fresh lemon followed by a wonderfully sweet finish, all wrapped in a lusciously creamy texture.
This homemade ice cream captures the essence of fresh, zesty lemons. We combine bright lemon zest and juice with sugar, eggs, rich half-and-half, and a hint of vanilla to create a base that sings with flavor. The result is an easy recipe that brings gourmet lemon ice cream right to your kitchen, without needing a trip to a seaside cove. It's truly a special treat that can turn any ordinary day into a celebration.
Making this creamy lemon ice cream is straightforward, but a few pointers will ensure your batch is absolutely sublime:
This Deliciously Tart Lemon Ice Cream shines on its own, but it's also incredibly versatile.
Get ready to create new cherished memories with every scoop of this irresistible lemon ice cream!