Coffee ice cream

Coffee Ice Cream - a refreshing delight for warm days

Who doesn't love a creamy, flavorful ice cream, especially when it carries the signature of coffee's power? The coffee ice cream recipe I will share with you today is inspired by a special cookbook authored by Princess Margareta. This ice cream not only cools you down but also brings a splash of energy on hot summer days. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 6 hours (or more, depending on preference)
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g brown sugar
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 180 ml strong, concentrated black coffee

Step by step to perfect ice cream:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Use fresh eggs for better flavor and high-fat cream for a creamy texture. Brown sugar will provide not only sweetness but also a deeper flavor nuance.

2. Beating the yolks: In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks with the brown sugar. Use a whisk and mix until the mixture becomes almost white and fluffy. This step is crucial, as the incorporated air will make the ice cream lighter and airier.

3. Heating the cream: In a saucepan, pour the cream and place it in a bain-marie. It is important for the cream to heat without boiling, so watch it carefully. This will help activate the flavors and achieve a smoother texture.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the cream is warm, remove it from the heat and pour the egg yolk and sugar mixture over it, gently mixing with a spatula to homogenize. Make sure not to rush this step, as we want to keep the air in the mixture.

5. Adding the coffee: Now, add the strong, concentrated coffee to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the coffee flavor is evenly distributed.

6. Freezing the ice cream: Pour the resulting mixture into a container or an airtight dish. Place it in the freezer and let it harden. The original recipe suggests stirring the ice cream every two hours to prevent ice crystals from forming. If you're short on time, don't worry! You can mix the ice cream with a mixer before serving, just as I did, and it will be delicious!

7. Serving: After at least 6 hours of freezing, your coffee ice cream is ready to be enjoyed. Once taken out of the freezer, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. Use an ice cream scoop or a spoon to form beautiful servings.

For an attractive decoration, you can garnish the ice cream with coffee beans or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. Coffee ice cream pairs perfectly with a slice of chocolate cake or a crunchy cookie, bringing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:
- If you don't have strong coffee on hand, you can use instant coffee, but make sure to dilute it with hot water to achieve a stronger concentration.
- Replace some of the cream with condensed milk for an even creamier ice cream.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture.

Nutritional benefits:
This coffee ice cream is not just a delicious dessert, but also a source of antioxidants from coffee and healthy fats from cream. However, it's important to consume it in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use milk instead of cream?
While it's possible, cream provides a creamier texture. If you want to cut calories, you can opt for a combination of milk and cream.

- What do I do if the ice cream is too hard?
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help soften the mixture easily.

- How can I vary the recipe?
Replace the coffee with espresso or add flavors like roasted nuts or chocolate to create a personalized version.

This coffee ice cream is a quick, simple dessert, but with a remarkable impact. Enjoy it in the company of loved ones, on a sunny terrace or during a relaxing afternoon. Whether it's a special occasion or just a treat, coffee ice cream will bring a smile to anyone's face. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends so they can also enjoy the magic of this dessert!