FIG ICE CREAM

MAKES ABOUT 1 QUART

DRIED figs have a more intense flavor than fresh figs, making them
perfect for ice cream. Look for ones that are semimoist, not hard or desiccated.

8 dried figs
2 large eggs
1½ cups milk
½ cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Cover the dried figs with boiling water and set aside until soft, about 2
hours. Drain the figs, cut into quarters, and place in a food processor. Add
the eggs and process until smooth, about 1 minute.

Combine the milk and sugar in a medium saucepan and place over low
heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the milk comes to a boil. Immediately
remove from the heat. With the food processor running, slowly pour the
hot milk into the fig mixture through the feed tube. Process until completely
smooth. Pour the mixture into a large, clean bowl and allow to cool slightly.
Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt. Cover and refrigerate until cold or
overnight.

Stir the chilled custard, then freeze in 1 or 2 batches in your ice cream machine
according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When finished, the ice
cream will be soft but ready to eat. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a
freezer-safe container and freeze at least 2 hours.

Variations

FIG ALMOND ICE CREAM Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract along with
the vanilla extract. Add ½ cup chopped toasted almonds (see page xvi) to
the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix
in the nuts. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

FIG COOKIE ICE CREAM Add ½ cup crumbled sugar cookies to the machine
when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix in the
cookies. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

FIG TART ICE CREAM Substitute honey for sugar. Add 1 teaspoon grated
fresh orange zest and 3 crumbled graham crackers to the machine when
the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix in the additional
ingredients. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

PROMISED LAND ICE CREAM Add ¼ cup chopped dried dates, ¼ cup
raisins, and ½ cup crumbled mandelbrot or other dry cake to the machine
when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix in the additional
ingredients. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

SPICED FIGGIE PUDDING ICE CREAM Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon,
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground mace to the
milk along with the sugar. Proceed with the recipe as directed.