Glace de Provence Recipe
Background and History
Glace de Provence is a delightful dessert that hails from the sun-drenched region of Provence in the south of France. Known for its vibrant lavender fields, olive groves, and aromatic herbs, Provence offers a bounty of flavors that are beautifully captured in this refreshing ice cream. Traditional Provençal cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh, local ingredients. This dessert is no exception, combining creamy milk, floral lavender, and sweet honey to create a unique and delicious treat. The addition of vanilla pod enhances the natural sweetness and flavor complexity of the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons of dried lavender
- ¾ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of honey
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
- A pinch of sea salt
Preparation
Start by gently heating the milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Add the dried lavender and allow it to steep. After 10 minutes, increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture just to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and honey with the egg yolks until the mixture is pale and thick.
Remove the milk and cream mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain out the lavender and gradually add it to the egg mixture, stirring continuously to temper the eggs.
Cooking Process
Return the combined mixture to the saucepan. Add the scraped vanilla seeds and pod, along with the pinch of sea salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Use a timer to track these subtle times to prevent overcooking.
Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any cooked egg particles and the vanilla pod. Allow it to cool at room temperature, then cover and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
Once chilled, transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for a few hours to firm up.
How to Enjoy Glace de Provence
Serve and enjoy Glace de Provence on a warm day topped with a sprig of lavender or a drizzle of honey. This ice cream pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light crumble of almonds. Its delicate floral notes and creamy texture are sure to transport you to a sunlit terrace in the heart of Provence.