14 July 2016

Earl Grey Ice Cream

Earl Grey Ice Cream / www.delightfulrepast.com

My love of tea, especially Earl Grey, is no secret. And with National Ice Cream Day coming up on July 17, I thought I should make a batch of Earl Grey Ice Cream. I make it with organic ingredients; even the vanilla extract and Earl Grey tea are organic.

If you follow a dairy-free diet, you can use this infusion method with your dairy-free ingredients for an Earl Grey non-dairy frozen dessert. And what better way to serve it than in a teacup with a piece of shortbread!

I chose to use the egg custard base method, so this ice cream has a luscious texture and is more easily scooped than it would otherwise be. I plan to make it for my next afternoon tea in the garden. It's so refreshing.

Have you ever had tea or coffee ice cream? I love both, though I'd much rather drink tea than coffee.


Earl Grey Ice Cream / www.delightfulrepast.com

Earl Grey Ice Cream


(Makes about 5 cups)

1 1/2 cups (12 fluid ounces/355 ml) milk
3 tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea
2/3 cup (4.66 ounces/132 grams) sugar
2 tablespoons (18 grams) non-GMO cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (12 fluid ounces/355 ml) heavy whipping cream

1 In heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan, heat milk and tea leaves just to a simmer. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain into 2-cup glass measure, pressing the tea leaves to extract all the flavor; add a little more milk, if needed, to bring it back up to 1 1/2 cups. Discard tea leaves, return milk to saucepan and bring it back to a simmer. 

Tip: The Le Creuset stainless steel 2-quart saucier is perfect for making this or any custard. 

2 In 1.5-quart bowl whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in the egg yolks and just a little of the cream until mixture is smooth.

3 Whisk hot milk into egg mixture, then pour mixture into the saucepan. Over medium-low heat, stir constantly until mixture begins to thicken and registers 160 to 170F/71 to 76C on instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes; do not boil.

4 Stir in cream. Strain custard into medium bowl (I use a 2-quart glass measure to make pouring into the machine easier); whisk in vanilla extract. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 8 hours or overnight.

5 Assemble the Cuisinart ICE-21 Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream-Sorbert Maker; turn it on. While it is running, pour the chilled mixture through the spout. Let mix until thickened, about 20 minutes.

6 Transfer the soft ice cream to a freezer-safe airtight container, and place in freezer for at least 4 hours. Even after days in the freezer, this ice cream was very scoopable and did not need to be left out for 15 minutes before serving.

Tip: Place the storage container in the freezer for a while to chill it thoroughly before transferring the ice cream to it.


Earl Grey Ice Cream - Favorite Scoop / www.delightfulrepast.com

Note: The scoop in the photo above is the OXO Good Grips Solid Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop, the best I've ever seen; even works on hard ice cream.

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Earl Grey Ice Cream / www.delightfulrepast.com

69 comments:

Antiques And Teacups said...

Wonderful Jean..I love it! Perfect for summer! Posted it on my Antiques And Teacups Facebook page as well! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hello Jean, I never had earl grey ice cream before but this really sounds good. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and sharing this at Cooking and Crafting with J & J. Enjoy your day and the weekend.
Julie xo

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

What, what?...tea ice cream? Now you knew that would get my attention. Guess I’m not surprised they would put dead leaves in ice cream, if licorice, peanut butter and bananas make the cut (never liked banana splits). My jury’s out, though. Coffee works, and the idea of something almost opposite of ice cream’s virtues is appealing to me, sort of like something to clear the palate. So maybe tea works. But still…it’s tea, that slightly acrid grit a large portion of the world’s population puts in hot water. Vanilla grit works for me, coffee grit works for me…soooo maybe. You do it up right for the eyes, for sure, Jeani. Looks tempting…a tease. I mean a TEAse!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ruth, thank you! Since I'm not on FB, your sharing this there is really appreciated.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Julie! Have a great weekend.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sully, if you love coffee ice cream (and I know you do), I really do think you will like this. This is one you really should try!

Bernideen said...

Dear Jean:
I have a folder of recipes made with Earl Grey and will add yours! Thanks for sharing and linking.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Bernideen! I'm really starting to enjoy cooking with tea, even though nothing will ever surpass drinking it!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Oh, this sounds wonderful, Jean. I have never had Earl Grey ice cream although I have sipped lots of the tea. The ice cream looks simply luscious served in the pretty teacup with shortbread. Lovely! Thanks for sharing.

TONY said...

Early Grey Ice Cream and previously Earl Grey Shortbread. Earl Grey tea is tea soaked in oil of bergamot which is squeezed from the bergamot orange. So, Jean, what is this thing with Earl Grey tea flavouring? Its named after the second Earl Grey of Northumberland (1764-1845) He was alive at the same time as Jane Austen. How do you do it? I suppose you could make a strong brew and mix the liquid tea with your ice cream mixture. ( must read above recipe.) I am taken aback and blown away by your Earl Grey Tea experimentation.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sandi! I know you have plenty of pretty teacups to serve this in! :-)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you! Nope, Tony, I don't brew the tea and add it to the mixture. But I'm not going to tell you any more, you'll just have to read the recipe! :D

Summer said...

Yummy! Looks so good ♥

summerdaisy.net

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Summer!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

My goodness, is this NOT a fantastic idea! I love Earl Grey and ICE CREAM! I also found a great Earl Grey CAKE recipe with vanilla buttercream. And thank you kindly for coming to visit my blog! Enjoy your day, Anita

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Anita, I'm so glad you like it! I'm always pleased to find another tea lover. Enjoying a cup of tea is one of life's beautiful moments.

TONY said...

Where did you get this idea from, Jean? I see you make your tea in a milky brew. I can't get my head round tea made with milk. A good brew needs boiling water to get the essence of the tea out of the leaves. Would it be possible to make the tea with boiling water , strain out the tea leaves and use the tea infusion for your ice cream?
Just a good cup of tea would do me.
If you come to London, yourself and Mr Delightful, Jean, I will take the two of you out for afternoon tea.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Tony, I didn't invent Earl Grey Ice Cream, though I did develop this particular recipe. I'm sure others have infused the tea in hot milk as well, though I didn't really look at any recipes. The reason I did not want to use boiling water is that the addition of water to ice cream is not a good thing. It makes it "icy" and overly hard. I was amazed at how well the tea infused in the hot (though not boiling) milk. That amount of tea in that amount of milk for that length of time will give your ice cream all the tea flavor it needs, I can assure you. It's really quite wonderful, though of course nothing replaces a good cup of tea! If Mr Delightful and I ever make it to London, you are ON for that afternoon tea! Nothing I'd like better.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Ooh Jean, I wish I could come over to your house and taste some of your Earl Grey Ice Cream! My grands and I made vanilla ice cream the other day, and they were in heaven. You always share the prettiest food photos and the most scrumptious recipes! Hope you're staying cool with a nice bowl of ice cream.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Kitty, thank you so much! I love the way you get your grands into the kitchen with you, sharing your recipes, your time, making memories!

Decor To Adore said...

Jean my husband is an avid lover of Earl Grey. I can't wait to make this for him. Thank you so much for joining the gathering at Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Laura, that's wonderful! I'm always happy to find another tea fan! Do let me know how he likes the ice cream.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

How interest Jean, who would have thought? Such a great flavor to try. I am so glad you found me and also happy you linked up to DI&DI. We love recipes and it looks like you have some awesome ones. I shall be checking out some of your recipes very soon! Take care and happy weekend. P.S. If you add my link, in the future your post could be featured....

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Linda, thank you so much! I'll be checking out more of your posts very soon as well!

Angie's Recipes said...

We have unseasonably cold summer this year...so cold that I still haven't made any ice treat..Your Earl Grey ice cream looks so very smooth and creamy...perfect!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing it! Looks yummy and healthy!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Angie. I wish *we* were having an unseasonably cold summer! But I understand I'm in the minority on that subject, so I hope you get to enjoy some typical summer days soon!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, WW. I try to make everything "healthy," even desserts, so use only organic ingredients and as little sugar as will get the job done.

Annette, 3 Little Buttons said...

This looks fab and I love the idea of serving ice cream in a tea cup. If I am completely honest, I don't really like earl grey tea, perhaps only a very mild flavour comes out? Thank you for linking up to the #DreamTeam

Amy at love made my home said...

I love earl grey tea, so I am sure that this is a delicious ice cream!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Annette, thank you! If you like tea, just not Earl Grey, you could use another black tea and get good results.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Amy! I hope you'll give it a try!

Miz Helen said...

I just love this delicious Ice Cream served in your beautiful tea cup!! I really appreciate you sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great weekend!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Miz Helen!

Sarah@teammomlife said...

This sounds really good. I've always loved the idea of making my own ice cream. You make it sound easy. #dreamteam

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sarah! It really is! Just follow my directions, and you won't have any trouble at all.

Edye Nicole said...

What a unique recipe, Jean! Thanks for sharing :)

Blessings,
Edye | Http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Edye, thank you! Glad you stopped by!

Tandy | Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) said...

This is my type of ice cream for sure! I am so going to give this a try in summer :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Tandy! I hope you love it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Marilyn, your Pins and Yums and assorted shares are much appreciated. Thank you!

April J Harris said...

Hello again, Jean, I've featured this post at the Hearth and Soul Hop this week. It's such a lovely cool summer treat! Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Hop.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you so much, April! I'll go check it out now!

janice15 said...

It looks really never had tea ice cream, but it sure looks yummie..with love Janice

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Janice, thanks! If you like tea OR ice cream, and especially if you like both, you're sure to like this!

Stephanie said...

Oh, I am tickled pink that you made tea flavored ice cream! I would LOVE to try this, sweet friend :)

Have a beautiful week. Hugs!

Judee@gluten Free A-Z Blog said...

After 5 days of 0ver 95 degrees, I definitely ready for some ice cream. Earl gray is my favorite tea. Can't imagine how good it is in the ice cream. Yum!!

Karen said...

Hi Jean,
Your Earl Grey ice cream looks delicious. Thank you for the recipe and thank you also for visiting me and leaving such kind words. Blessings, Karen

Lincuden Cottage Life said...

Wow! What an amazing idea Jean! I can't wait to try this! Pinning.
Rebeca xoxo

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Stephanie, so glad you like it! Perfect for summer tea parties, right?

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judee, whew! Sounds like you could definitely use some ice cream! And this is a really refreshing one. Thank you.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Karen, my new tea friend!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Rebeca, thank you and thank you for Pinning! Social media shares are so appreciated.

Jess said...

Wow...this sounds so tasty!

I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipe, crafts, and tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/

Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

Pauline Wiles said...

Wow. Sounds and looks delicious, and of course serving it in a teacup is just perfect. I agree, yes, that ice cream scoop does a terrific job.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jess, thank you so much. I would love to do that, but I am not on Facebook.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Pauline! Wish I had some today. Had to resort to storebought mint chip today!

Unknown said...

This recipe sounds simply refreshing! Thanks for linking up to the Creative K Kids' Tasty Tuesday, I can't wait to see what you create next week!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Amanda, thank you! Yes, not sure how something so rich and creamy can be refreshing, but it is!

Bernideen said...

Looks delicious and so pretty in the tea cup! Thanks for sharing and linking your creative ice cream at "Tea In The Garden"!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Bernideen, thank you so much! Your "Tea in the Garden" is always a pleasure!

Margie said...

Your Earl Grey ice cream is the perfect marriage of my favourite things! Your beautiful presentation also can't be beat!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Margie, thank you so much! That's one of my favorite cups and saucers, a gift from a friend who ordered it from England.

Lisa said...

I was first introduced to tea in baked goods with a cookie and I was hooked! Earl Grey is phenomenal is cookies and cakes. Now, you've hit me with ice cream!! Oh my gosh! I love it! Thank you for linking this one up with us on Happiness is Homemade! We've featured it and I've pinned it!!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Lisa, thank you! And thank you for featuring and pinning it - much appreciated!

Katie said...

This looks so unbelievably amazing - and I never would have thought to try this flavor as an ice cream! Well done Jean and congrats on your feature at #HappinessIsHomemade this week! :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Katie, thank you so much! And thank you for hosting.

Adele said...

do you think this would compliment a pecan caramel cake?

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Adele, that sounds like a delightful cake and ice cream pairing!