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Herbal Homemade Ice Cream and Sorbet Recipe

Herbal Homemade Ice Cream and Sorbet Recipe

Livy Lane
There is something special about making frozen desserts at home. This Herbal Homemade Ice Cream and Sorbet Recipe brings fresh herbs, creamy texture and bright fruit together.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt4 cups fresh strawberries
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

Prepare the Herbal Ice Cream Base

  • Add cream, milk, sugar, mint, and salt to a saucepan. Warm everything over medium heat until steaming. Do not let the mixture boil. Remove it from the heat and let the mint infuse for 15 minutes.

Temper the Egg Yolks

  • Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth. Slowly add some warm cream while whisking constantly. This keeps the eggs from cooking too quickly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.

Cook the Cream Mixture

  • Cook the mixture over low heat while stirring constantly. It should become slightly thick and coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil the mixture. Remove it from the heat when it reaches the right texture.

Strain and Chill the Ice Cream

  • Pour the warm mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. This removes the mint leaves and any cooked egg pieces. Stir in vanilla extract. Cool the mixture, then cover and refrigerate for at least four hours.

Prepare the Strawberry Sorbet

  • Add strawberries, sugar, water, mint, lemon juice and lemon zest to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or lemon juice if needed.

Strain and Chill the Sorbet

  • Pour the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer a smoother sorbet. Transfer it into a covered container. Refrigerate it for about one hour before churning for better results.

Churn the Ice Cream

  • Pour the chilled herbal cream mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to your machine instructions. The mixture should become thick, creamy, and soft. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container.

Churn the Strawberry Sorbet

  • Pour the chilled strawberry mixture into the ice cream maker. Churn until thick and scoopable. The sorbet should look smooth and icy. Transfer it into another freezer-safe container for firming.

Freeze Before Serving

  • Freeze both desserts for two to three hours. Let them sit at room temperature for several minutes before scooping. Serve the herbal ice cream and sorbet together for a beautiful contrast.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
  • Do not boil the ice cream base after adding egg yolks.
  • Taste the sorbet before freezing and adjust the sweetness.
  • Add fresh basil instead of mint for a different herbal flavor.
  • Try raspberries, peaches, or blueberries instead of strawberries.
  • Add orange zest for a fresh citrus twist.
  • Use honey instead of some sugar in the sorbet.
  • Let frozen desserts soften slightly before serving.
  • Store each dessert in a shallow freezer-safe container.
  • Press parchment paper directly against the surface to reduce ice crystals.
Keyword Herbal Homemade Ice Cream and Sorbet Recipe