BUTTERED-POPCORN ICE CREAM SUNDAE

Buttered-Popcorn Ice Cream Sundae image

Provided by Elizabeth Falkner

Categories Milk/Cream Ice Cream Machine Chocolate Dessert Freeze/Chill Kid-Friendly Frozen Dessert Peanut Birthday Peanut Butter Bon Appétit Vegetarian Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher Small Plates

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

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Ingredients

Caramel sauce:
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Buttered-popcorn ice cream:
2 cups popped popcorn
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
8 large egg yolks
Peanut butterchocolate halvah:
2 tablespoons finely chopped high-quality milk chocolate (such as Lindt or Scharffen Berger)
2 tablespoons finely chopped bittersweet chocolate (do not exceed 61% cacao)
1 cup coarsely chopped store-bought peanut brittle
1/4 cup peanut butter
Assembly:
Whipped cream
Roasted salted peanuts
Buttered popcorn
Special Equipment
An ice cream maker

Steps:

For caramel sauce:
Combine sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and cook without stirring, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides with a wet pastry brush, until dark amber in color, about 7 minutes.
Remove from heat; immediately add butter and stir until melted. Slowly add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Add vanilla and salt; whisk until smooth. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 month ahead. Let cool completely. Cover sauce and chill. Rewarm slightly before using.
For buttered-popcorn ice cream:
Set a strainer over a large bowl; set aside. Place popcorn in another large bowl. Drizzle butter over and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss to coat. Add milk and cream; cover and steep for 10 minutes. Stir in corn syrup and 1 tablespoon sugar. Working in batches, purée popcorn mixture in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Using an electric mixer, beat yolks, remaining 4 tablespoons sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until thick ribbons form. Gradually whisk hot popcorn mixture into yolk mixture. Return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard is slightly thickened, your finger leaves a path when drawn across the back of a spoon, and an instant-read thermometer registers 175°F, 3-4 minutes. Pour through strainer. Cover and chill overnight.
Process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep frozen.
For peanut butterchocolate halvah:
Stir both chocolates in a medium metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. Set aside. Place peanut brittle in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add peanut butter and melted chocolate. Pulse until combined. Spread out on a baking sheet. Chill for at least 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.
For assembly:
Spoon some caramel sauce into tall, decorative glasses or serving bowls. Add 2 scoops buttered-popcorn ice cream. Drizzle more caramel sauce over. Sprinkle some halvah over. Top with a spoonful of whipped cream. Garnish sundae with peanuts and buttered popcorn.