Cold Summer Treats

Need some relief from the scorching summer heat and humidity? Stop chasing ice cream trucks and try making some yourself.


Blackberry Ice Cream

Ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 10 cup half-and-half
• 8 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups fresh or 1 (1-pound) package frozen blackberries
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Garnishes: fresh mint, fresh blackberries

Preparation

1. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Whisk in half-and-half. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat.
2. Slowly whisk about 4 cups of hot mixture into beaten egg. Add egg mixture to remaining hot mixture, whisking constantly, until mixture reaches 160°. (Immediately remove it from heat to prevent curdling.) Let cool completely, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla; chill 8 hours or overnight.
3. Combine blackberries and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a separate bowl; stir well. Cover and chill 8 hours, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Stir in lemon juice.
4. Stir berry mixture into custard mixture. Pour into container of a 4-quart ice-cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions; if recommended, pack freezer with additional ice and rock salt, and let stand 1 hour before serving. Scoop into serving bowls; garnish, if desired.
5. Note: To hasten cooling of custard mixture, partially fill sink with ice water to come about halfway up sides of Dutch oven. Let pan remain in ice-water bath, stirring often until room temperature; chill.