Homemade Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Steps

Vanilla Ice Cream Base

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes until it starts to simmer. If using a thermometer, the mixture should reach 110°F (43 °C) (43°C (109 °F)). Remove from heat.

   Start 5-minute timer
2. 2

   While the milk mixture heats, place the 3 room temperature egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture to temper the yolks until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

3. 3

   Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly until combined.

4. 4

   Return the pan to medium heat. Stirring continuously, cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 165°F (74 °C) (74°C (165 °F)) on a thermometer.

   Start 10-minute timer
5. 5

   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.

6. 6

   Pour the ice cream mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large heat-safe bowl to ensure a smooth texture. Allow to cool slightly at room temperature.

7. 7

   Cover the bowl and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight.

   Start 6-hour timer

Cherry Preserves

8. 8

   Prepare the cherry preserves by adding the pitted cherries and 1 tablespoon of sugar to a medium pan. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as it simmers.

   Start 10-minute timer
9. 9

   As the cherries soften and become jammy and thick, mash them with a fork or potato masher to break them down while leaving a few chunky pieces.

10. 10

    Remove the cherry preserves from heat, allow to cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the fridge while the custard chills.

Ice Cream, Continued

11. 11

    Once the custard is fully chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (typically about 20 minutes).

    Start 20-minute timer
12. 12

    Transfer the churned ice cream to freezer-safe containers, layering the ice cream with the chilled cherry preserves and chopped dark chocolate chips, lightly swirling them in as you go.

13. 13

    Enjoy immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or freeze until solid for a scoopable result.