Cinnamon ice cream

Cinnamon Ice Cream: A Creamy and Aromatic Delight

Cinnamon ice cream is a dessert that blends tradition with innovation, bringing a unique taste and aroma to your table. Cinnamon, the spice that has been cherished for centuries, adds not only flavor but also a touch of warmth and comfort in every spoonful of ice cream. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days but can be enjoyed in any season, making it an ideal dessert to pamper family and friends.

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 225 ml milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 450 ml liquid cream

The passion for ice cream begins with quality ingredients. Fresh milk and liquid cream are essential for achieving a creamy texture, while both ground and stick cinnamon will transform this dessert into a true aromatic masterpiece.

Step 1: Infusing the Milk
Start by placing the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, adding the cinnamon stick. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors unfold. This step is crucial, as the cinnamon will infuse the milk, bringing a deep and rich taste. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the milk from burning.

Step 2: Yolks and Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and ground cinnamon until you achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture. This will give the ice cream an airy texture and pleasant sweetness. A frequently asked question is: "Why use egg yolks?" The answer is simple: they contribute to creaminess and enrich the dessert's flavor.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk and slowly pour the warm milk over the yolk mixture, stirring continuously. This helps temper the yolks and prevents coagulation. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. The goal is to thicken the mixture, which will become a creamy base for the ice cream. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Incorporating the Cream
Once the ice cream base has thickened, add the liquid cream and mix well to combine the ingredients. The cream is not just an ingredient; it adds an airy texture and enhances the flavor. This combination is the secret to truly delicious ice cream.

Step 5: Freezing
Transfer the resulting cream to a plastic container, cover it, and let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After this time, take the ice cream out and vigorously stir it with a spatula or mixer to avoid ice crystal formation. Repeat this mixing process two more times at 30-minute intervals. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy ice cream without ice crystals.

Step 6: Serving the Ice Cream
Once you’ve finished freezing and mixing, your cinnamon ice cream is ready to serve! You can garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or grated chocolate for an attractive appearance. Additionally, the ice cream pairs perfectly with caramel sauce or a topping of toasted nuts. Another delicious idea is to serve it alongside a slice of apple pie or pumpkin pie, creating a flavor combination that will delight any palate.

Nutritional Benefits
This cinnamon ice cream is not only delicious but also packed with benefits. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. Egg yolks provide essential proteins and vitamins, while the cream contributes to calcium intake.

Calories
Each serving of cinnamon ice cream contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and cream used. It is an indulgent dessert, but perfect for special occasions.

Possible Variations
To make the ice cream even more interesting, you can experiment with various ingredients. Replace cinnamon with other spices, such as nutmeg or vanilla. You can add caramelized apple pieces or raisins for added texture. Additionally, you can try replacing part of the milk with almond or coconut milk for a vegan version.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of cream should I use?
Choose liquid cream with at least 30% fat content to achieve creamy ice cream.

2. Can I use cinnamon ice cream in other recipes?
Absolutely! This ice cream can be used as a filling for cakes, in milkshakes, or even as a topping for pancakes.

3. How can I keep the ice cream longer in the freezer?
Make sure the ice cream is tightly covered to prevent ice crystal formation.

Allow yourself to enjoy this simple yet sophisticated dessert that brings a touch of magic to every meal. Cinnamon ice cream is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary journey that takes you through pleasant memories and childhood flavors. Savor each spoonful and let yourself be carried away by its unique tastes!