Tangerine Dream Ice Cream

 

Is is possible to pick a favorite ice cream flavor??  MMmmm - NO!  But if I could, this one would certainly be vying for that position!  It's robust orangy flavor is very strong an distinct, while at the same time - so it the creamy vanilla accent.  It is like a swirl ice cream, but there is no swirl..It is just out standing!  A must try.  We have made this with orange and it is still good...but I encourage you NOT to substitute oranges for tangerines..because the tangerines bring so much more vibrant flavor than the oranges do...that it pales in comparison, one you have made it with tangerine.  Its A MUST TRY!    It is like the orange push-pop you had a crush on as kid, that has gone to college and come back a docter (and shows up on your doorstep with a bouquet of flowers)!  Am I reading too much into this ice cream???  :-) This recipe makes 1 qrt.

2C whole milk

1C heavy cream

3/4C sugar, divided

1 vanilla bean

4 egg yolks

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

14 tangerines, juiced and 6 of them zested

1. In a saucepan, scald the milk and cream, 1/2C sugar and vanilla bean (sliced down the center vertically, seeds scraped into the mixture and pod thrown in after) - stir constantly.
2. In a small bowl, whip egg yokes with remaining sugar until smooth.  Slowly pour some of the scaled milk into the mixture to temper, mix well.  Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and mix well.
3. Cook on low until the mixture thickens slightly and can coat the back of the spoon.  
4. Strain mixture into a bowl.  Add tangerine juice, zest and mix well.  Then add vanilla extract. Cover and chill completely in the fridge.
5. Process in an ice cream machine as per manufacturers instructions.