Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 chai tea bags
– 5 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
Introduction:
Summer calls for indulging in cool, creamy delights that refresh the senses and bring a smile to your face. Imagine a flavorful blend of chai spices combined with the richness of a classic ice cream – introducing the Chai Latte Ice Cream. This recipe encapsulates the essence of summer in a scoop, offering a unique twist on the traditional iced chai latte by transforming it into a frozen treat that will delight your taste buds and keep you cool during the warm months.
Creating the Chai Infusion:
To infuse the ice cream base with the aromatic flavors of chai, begin by combining the whole milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chai tea bags, allowing them to steep and infuse the liquid with their spicy notes. Stir occasionally and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to intensify the chai flavor.
Preparing the Ice Cream Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. Gradually pour the warm chai-infused milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Infusing with Rich Spices:
Once the custard reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. These warm spices will elevate the chai flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes that will shine through in every bite of the ice cream.
Chilling and Churning:
Strain the custard to remove the chai tea bags and any lumps, then cover the mixture with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the custard in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully. Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freezing and Serving:
Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze the ice cream for a few hours or until it sets to a scoopable consistency. Serve the Chai Latte Ice Cream in cones or bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the flavors of summer with this delectable Chai Latte Ice Cream recipe that combines the comforting warmth of chai spices with the cool creaminess of a frozen treat. Whether enjoyed on a hot afternoon or as a sweet ending to a meal, this homemade ice cream is sure to impress with its rich, exotic flavors and smooth texture. Treat yourself to a scoop of this delightful creation and savor the taste of summer in every bite.
