Author Notes
Admittedly, this recipe started with apricot curd. I know, I know, more curd? But I couldn't resist; the apricot's texture and bright, sparkly tang are perfect for it, and the curd was addictive (try it!). But then it got very, very hot in DC, so I turned to my trusted summer companion, David Lebovitz, for tips on apricot ice cream. His recipe is eggless, and I prefer a rich, yolk-y base, especially because I planned to temper sweet richness with earthy basil. The result was the ideal summer treat - sweet and cold and creamy, with the anise scent of basil in the background. Be sure to use the basil plant's inner leaves, which impart a lighter, more delicate basil flavor. Also, the inner leaves tend to be much lighter in color, which means your pretty orange ice cream won't take on a green tint. :) —Rivka
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Ingredients
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1/2 cup
water
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1/2 cup
plus 2 tablespoons sugar
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10
small basil leaves (use the plant's inner leaves, which have a more delicate flavor); if using larger leaves, use only 5
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1 pound
fresh apricots (I needed 9 sizable fruits)
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1 cup
heavy cream
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2
egg yolks
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juice of a small lemon wedge
Directions
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer water, sugar, and basil leaves until sugar melts and basil goes limp, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and let sugar-water mixture steep 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, halve the apricots by slicing along their dimple all the way around. Remove the pits, which should slip out easily. Slice each half into 2 or 3 pieces. By now the basil mixture should be finished; remove basil leaves, pressing against the side of the pan with the back of the spoon to coax all the flavor out of them. Discard basil.
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Transfer apricot pieces into saucepan containing basil-infused syrup. Return heat to medium, and cook until apricot pieces are soft and tender, about 8 minutes. Set pan aside and bring to room temperature.
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If you have a hand blender, use it to puree the apricot mixture right in the pan until smooth. Alternatively, puree apricots in blender or food processor. Transfer apricot mixture to bowl of double boiler or, if you don't have one, transfer apricot mixture to a metal bowl, and add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Set bowl over a small saucepan with a couple inches of water in it, turn heat to medium, and begin heating apricot mixture over water, stirring thoroughly and often. After about 7 minutes over the simmering water, apricot mixture should begin to thicken. It will only thicken slightly, never getting as viscous as creme anglaise or pudding. The whole thing should be done after 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in lemon juice.
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Pour cream into large bowl and set strainer over the bowl. Pour apricot custard through strainer into cream. Press on any solids left behind, then discard. Stir custard and cream together until they turn a uniform shade of light orange. Chill thoroughly.
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Process ice cream in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
I'm a healthcare consultant by day, food blogger by night, and I make a mean veggie chili. I'm eat a mostly-vegetarian diet, but have a soft spot for meat, especially braised short ribs. And this profile wouldn't be complete without an admission that I absolutely am addicted to cookies and chocolate. Finally, I love the idea of food52 and can't wait to share and read my and others' favorite recipes!
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