Assam Tea Ice Cream

This recipe makes a rich, silky ice cream. It's amazing served with a dash of maple syrup for something a little extra.  Or to really dazzle, pour over a cup of hot Assam tea for a tea twist on a classic affogato.  Ice cream doused with tea, what could be better? 

Ingredients (to make 2 litres of ice cream)

27g Karma Tea Co. New Day Assam

600ml single cream

300ml double cream

6 eggs yolks

200g sugar

1 tbsp maple syrup

Method

1. Ensure your freezer bowl is prepared and fully frozen. If using the KitchenAid freezer bowl attachment this needs to freeze for 15 hours before use.
2. Prepare the tea by steeping 27g of Karma Tea Co. New Day Assam in 500ml boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve and set aside the liquor.
3. Combine the sugar with 300ml single cream in a large saucepan over a medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Do not allow to boil. Keep warm over a low heat.
4. Whisk egg yolks on a high setting until they are pale, thick and creamy and leave a trail when the whisk is lifted.
5. Keeping the whisk running, gradually add about half of the hot cream and sugar mixture, whisking continuously.
6. Return this mixture to the pan with the remaining hot cream and sugar and stir to combine. Raise the heat and stir continuously until it forms a custard like consistency. Take care as the air in the whisked eggs causes the mixture to expand in the pan rapidly. The consistency will be that of a thick crème anglaise rather than a thick custard.
7. Add the remaining 300ml of single cream and continue stirring over the heat until the mixture starts to thicken again. It will be thinner than the first time but still with a custard like consistency.
8. Remove from the heat and strain through a sieve into a separate bowl to remove any lumps.
9. Stir in 400ml of the tea liquor and maple syrup and allow to cool in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
10. When the custard mixture is cooled, assemble your freezer bowl attachment as required and with the paddle turning on a low setting (number 1 for KitchenAid) gently pour the custard mixture into the freezer bowl. Churn for 25-30 minutes until thick and frozen.
11. Decant into a suitable container and allow to rest in the freezer for 30 minutes for a soft serve ice cream or several hours for a harder set.

Top Tip: I like to use the left over egg whites to make a simple meringue which I crumble over the ice cream when I serve it. For 6 egg whites use 300g caster sugar. Whisk the egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. Whisk in half the sugar until stiff peaks form and then gradually whisk in the remaining sugar. Spoon onto lined baking trays and bake in a low oven until done to your satisfaction - I personally like them when they’re crips on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside.

Recipe by Kyle Whittington

(Kyle made this recipe using the ice cream freezer bowl attachment on the KitchenAid mixer. Adjust freezing times and quantities as required to suit your ice cream maker).