(Homemade) Pistachio Ice-Cream & (Store-bought) Pistachio Baklava

Homemade Pistachio Ice Cream & Baklava
Peggy Lampman | Contributor
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I think I've stumbled upon the best ice cream I've ever eaten in my life; I must send this recipe to Ben & Jerry.

Making the custard.
I served the ice cream with the baklava on the side, but the next time I make this, I'll chop up the baklava and add it to the ice cream in the final stages production. A variation on the Ben and Jerry Cookies and Cream. Brilliant, yes?
I adapted this recipe from the cookbook Sorbets and Ice Creams. Every time I pull out my sorbet maker, I pull out this invaluable gem of a cookbook; a source of inspiration for 15 years — only $3.62 (new) on Amazon.
This is the perfect dessert to end a Middle Eastern menu; I served this after making Pomegranate Lamb and Grape Kebobs.
Yield: 1 quart
Time to freeze sorbet base: 24 hours
Active time: 30 minutes
Chill times (for base and ice cream): approx. 6 hours total
Ingredients:
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 pint (2 cups) half-and-half
2/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1 cup heavy (whipping) cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange zest, optional garnish
Pistachio baklava, your favorite recipe or ready-made
Directions:
1. In a food processor or blender, process 2/3 of the nuts until finely ground.
2. In a double boiler, combine the nuts and half-and-half. Cook over barely simmering water 15 minutes, or until nuts have flavored the half-and-half.
3. Whisk the 2/3 cup sugar into the egg yolks. Whisk in some of the half-and-half mixture, return this mixture to the pan, and cook over barely simmering water until the custard coats the spoon. Immediately place in a pan of cold water and stir to cool. Stir in cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
4. In a small skillet, heat the butter and remaining 2 teaspoons sugar over medium heat. Coarsely chop remaining pistachios and sauté until lightly browned; let cool.
5. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. When partially frozen, mix in the sugared nuts or sprinkle over ice cream when served, or garnish with orange zest, if using.
Peggy Lampman is a real-time food writer and photographer posting daily feeds on her website and in the Food & Grocery section of Annarbor.com. You may also e-mail her at peggy@dinnerfeed.com.
Comments
jns131
Tue, Jun 4, 2013 : 2:19 a.m.
Think I'll stick with my Pistachio Hagaan Daas. Yum.
Peggy Lampman
Tue, Jun 4, 2013 : 11:49 a.m.
Love that ice cream - my kids always called it Hogs and Dogs - a favorite and sure cuts time!