Chamomile Ice Cream: Because Your Tea Deserves a Glow-Up

Ever stared at your chamomile tea and thought, “You’d make a killer ice cream”? No? Just me? Well, buckle up, because chamomile ice cream is about to become your new obsession.

Chamomile ice cream takes that soothing, floral vibe of your bedtime tea and transforms it into a creamy, dreamy dessert. It’s like a spa day for your taste buds. And the best part? You can make it at home without needing a culinary degree.

😍 Why You’ll Love This Chamomile Ice Cream

Let’s break it down:

• Flavor Explosion: The gentle, floral notes of chamomile paired with the richness of cream create a sophisticated yet comforting taste.
• Impress Your Friends: Serve this at your next dinner party, and watch your guests’ eyes widen with delight.
• Easy Peasy: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple steps to ice cream bliss.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 cups half and half cream (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup heavy cream)
• 6 chamomile tea bags
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream

Substitutions:

• No vanilla bean paste? Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Prefer honey over sugar? Swap out the sugar for ¾ cup of honey for a different sweetness profile.

🧰 Tools & Kitchen Gadgets

To make this chamomile ice cream, you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan
• Large whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Fine mesh strainer
• Ice cream maker (like the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the half and half until it’s just about to simmer. Remove from heat, add the chamomile tea bags, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags, squeezing out any liquid.
2. Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, vanilla bean paste, and salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm chamomile-infused cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
4. Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Strain and Cool: Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any solids. Stir in the heavy cream. Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

🍦 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~240
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating the Cream: Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle. Keep it just below a simmer.
• Skipping the Strain: Not straining the custard can leave you with a gritty texture.
• Impatience: Not chilling the mixture thoroughly can result in a less creamy texture.

🔄 Variations & Customizations

• Honey Chamomile Ice Cream: Replace granulated sugar with honey for a deeper, floral sweetness.
• Chamomile Lemon Ice Cream: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Vegan Chamomile Ice Cream: Use coconut milk and a plant-based sweetener, and skip the egg yolks.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: Can I use fresh chamomile flowers instead of tea bags?
A: Absolutely! Use about ¼ cup of fresh chamomile flowers. Just make sure they’re pesticide-free.

Q: Do I need an ice cream maker?
A: While an ice cream maker yields the best texture, you can pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until set.

Q: How long does chamomile ice cream last in the freezer?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it should last up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the dairy with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based cream alternative.

Q: What’s the best way to serve chamomile ice cream?
A: It’s delightful on its own, but also pairs well with shortbread cookies or a drizzle of honey.

Q: Can I add mix-ins to this ice cream?
A: Sure! Consider adding crushed graham crackers, white chocolate chips, or a swirl of lemon curd.

Q: Is chamomile ice cream safe for kids?
A: Generally, yes. However, consult with a pediatrician if you have concerns about chamomile consumption for children.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Chamomile ice cream is the dessert you didn’t know you were missing. It’s a unique blend of floral and creamy, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite flavor.