MAPLE-FIG ICE CREAM

Maple-Fig Ice Cream image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories dessert

Time 7h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 to 9 dried Calimyrna figs, stems trimmed (about 4 ounces)
1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup pure maple syrup (preferably grade B)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon brandy
Brandied Maple-Fig Sauce, recipe follows
Toasted pine nuts, for garnish
1/4 to 1/3 cup remaining fig puree
2 to 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Steps:

Bring 2 cups water and the figs to a simmer in heavy small saucepan over high heat. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, turning occasionally, until the figs are very tender, about 30 minutes. Transfer the figs and 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid to a food processor (or add some water to make 1/2 cup). Blend until the figs are pureed and no large lumps remain. Transfer to a small bowl, cover and chill. (Fig puree can be made 1 week ahead.)
Whisk the whipping cream, sugar, maple syrup, salt and egg yolks in a heavy large saucepan until blended. Whisk over medium heat until the custard thickens enough to coat a spoon (and the temperature registers 170 degrees F to 180 degrees F), 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately whisk 1/2 cup of the fig puree into the custard, reserving the remaining fig puree. Transfer the custard to a bowl and chill uncovered until cool, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Whisk in the sour cream and brandy.
Process the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours and up to 3 days.
Scoop the ice cream into goblets or bowls. Spoon some Brandied Maple-Fig Sauce on top, sprinkle with pine nuts and serve.
Stir the fig puree, maple syrup and brandy in a small bowl until blended. Cover and chill until needed. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead.)