Date Walnut Yogurt Ice Cream Food

DATE ICE CREAM (BUZA 'ALA-TAMR)

Steps:

• Whisk the cornstarch into 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the milk in a small mixing bowl and have at hand. Put the remaining 3 3/4 (940 ml) milk and sugar in a medium pot and place over medium heat. Slowly add the cornstarch/milk mixture (see Note), whisking all the time. Bring to a boil, still whisking. Let bubble for about 10 minutes while still whisking. Take off the heat and add the rose water and cardamom. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let cool.
• Put the dates in a food processor. Add the thickened milk and process until the mixture is creamy. Transfer to a large measuring cup with a 2-quart (2-liter) capacity and whisk in the cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled.
• Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker following the manufacturer's instructions. Serve garnished with slivered or coarsely crushed pistachios.

DATE WALNUT YOGURT ICE CREAM

Steps:

• In a bowl whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and eggs. In a heavy saucepan heat milk just to boiling and add to egg mixture in a stream, whisking. In pan cook custard over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a simmer and simmer, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla and dates and chill custard until cold.
• Stir in yogurt and freeze ice cream in an ice-cream maker. Stir in walnuts. Ice cream may be made 3 days ahead.

YOGURT, DATE, AND WALNUT PARFAIT

Steps:

• Place a spoonful of yogurt in the bottom of each of four parfair or champagne glasses.
• Top with a layer of dates, a sprinkling of walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.
• Repeat steps 1 and 2 and finish with another layer of honey.
• Dust each parfait with cinnamon and chill until ready to serve.