I scream, You scream, We all scream for LAVENDER ICE CREAM!!

During my first wedding shower, Lucas and I were lucky enough to receive an ice cream maker just in time for the heat of the summer.  After perusing some recipes on foodgawker, I came across an idea I knew I was going to have to try immediately...Lavender Ice Cream.  I first came across lavender used in the food and beverage world in a tea latte that included agave, lavender and steamed milk.  It was Delicious...so I knew a lavender ice cream would be equally satisfying.

Lavender has a sweet, floral aroma and is often used in desserts or potpourri.  The pack of spices I had also said it can add an interesting flavor in vinaigrette dressings and marinades and works well in spice rubs on chicken and pork.  I definitely plan on trying those in the near future since the ice cream turned out so well!  

This recipe is extremely easy and you can make it even if you don't have an ice cream maker!  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Lavender Ice Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups half and half
• 3.5 t lavender  (*Note - you can use as little as 2t and as much as 4t depending on how intense you want the lavender flavor to be)
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 1/3 Cup honey  (*Note - you can use double the sugar or double the honey and omit the other ingredient if you prefer one to the other.  The original recipe calls for 1 Cup Sugar or 2/3 Cup honey, but we decided to use half of each)

Instructions:

• Heat the whipping cream, half and half, and lavender in a pot and bring to a simmer.
• Remove from heat and allow to steep for 1 hour or until cooled.

• Pour through a very fine strainer into a separate bowl and place in the fridge until completely cooled.  *Note - the mixture needs to be COLD prior to moving on to next steps.  I made the mistake of transferring it to the ice cream maker too soon, so it took much longer to freeze.
• Once cold, remove from fridge and mix in sugar and/or honey.  Transfer to the ice cream maker and freeze according to manufactures instructions.  If you aren't using an ice cream maker, transfer to an air tight container and place in the freezer until frozen.

• Once it is frozen to your liking, remove from the freezer, add toppings if you prefer and enjoy!

Topping recommendations:

• Dark chocolate chips would add a nice contrast to the sweet floral flavor of the lavender
• Berries would compliment the sweetness of the lavender and cream
• To make a delicious topping, add frozen or fresh blueberries to a sauce pan with honey, and heat until the juices from the berries become syrupy.

Bon Appetit!