GINGER CUSTARD DESSERT

Steps:

• To make the syrup, heat the water and 1/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• When the sugar is dissolved, add the fresh ginger.
• Stir to distribute sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer the syrup uncovered for 5 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• In another pan combine the milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and the minced preserved ginger.
• Stir over medium heat until the milk comes to a scalding temperature, just short of a simmer, then remove the pan from the heat. Scrape the fresh ginger syrup into the milk mixture, and stir well to blend.
• Cover and steep 20 minutes to infuse the milk.
• In a small bowl beat the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and falls in ribbons from the beater.
• Put the heavy cream in a medium-size bowl. Nest the cream bowl in a larger one lined with ice cubes and place in a large, fine mesh strainer alongside.
• When the steeping time is up, bring the milk mixture to scalding again, stirring. Slowly add 1/4 of the scalded milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs, then pour the egg mixture back into the remaining milk, continuing to whisk.
• Cook over moderate heat, whisking slowly but steadily until the mixture reaches the custard stage, thick enough to coat and cling to the back of a spoon, 180 degrees on an instant-reading thermometer.
• Do not let the mixture boil lest the eggs scramble.
• Immediately pour the custard through the strainer and into the bowl of cream set over ice.
• Scrape the pot clean, then slowly stir the liquid trapped in the strainer in order to coax it through the mesh.
• Press firmly and repeatedly on the ginger to extract all the liquid, then finally scrape the bottom of the strainer to claim every last drop for the cream.
• Discard the ginger solids. Allow the cream mixture to cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• Once cool, the mixture may be sealed airtight and refrigerated for 1 - 2 days before freezing.
• Freezing the cream:.
• Just before freezing, adjust the mixture with 1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, stirring and tasting after every several drops just until the ginger flavor is perceptibly heightened by the lemon.
• Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• When the freezing process is completed, pack the ice cream into a clean plastic container, poking deep into the mixture, then pressing it with a spoon or spatula to eliminate any air bubbles.
• Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent the formation of ice crystals, then return the mixture to the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up and "ripen.".
• If frozen solid, allow the ice cream to soften slightly in the refrigerator before serving. For the full flavor and bouquet, it should be eaten slightly soft.