Persimmon Ice Cream Food

SPICED PERSIMMON ICE CREAM

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan, heat half-and-half cream and sugar until bubbles form around sides of pan. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into the egg. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly., Cook and stir over low heat until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Quickly transfer to a bowl; place in ice water and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, persimmon, pudding mix and spices. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight., Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze. Transfer ice cream to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Freeze 2-4 hours or until firm. Repeat with remaining ice cream mixture.

PERSIMMON ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Heat heavy small skillet over medium heat. Add whole black peppercorns; toast until fragrant and beginning to smoke, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Transfer to small bowl to cool. Coarsely crush peppercorns in mortar with pestle, or place peppercorns in resealable plastic freezer bag, and seal; crush with mallet.
• Transfer crushed peppercorns to small saucepan. Add 1 cup water, sugar, and scant 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil mixture until reduced to 1 cup, about 4 minutes. Refrigerate until cold. DO AHEAD: Black pepper syrup can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.
• Scoop persimmon flesh from skins into blender. Puree until smooth. Measure 2 cups puree for making ice cream, reserving any remaining puree for another use. Cover and chill puree until cold, about 2 hours.
• Strain black pepper syrup into large bowl. Whisk in 2 cups persimmon puree and cream. Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer ice cream to container, cover, and freeze. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep frozen.

PERSIMMON TOPPING FOR ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Halve persimmons lengthwise and scoop out flesh; chop roughly and season if necessary with sugar or honey to taste. Fold raisins into puree along with chopped almonds and a pinch of ginger or crystallized ginger. Spoon over ice cream (serve kids ice cream plain).

PERSIMMON ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Wash, peel and seed the persimmons.
• Puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Add the lemon juice and one-fourth cup of sugar.
• Process until well-blended.
• Whip the cream to soft peaks.
• Gently fold it into the persimmon mixture.
• Taste and add more sugar, if needed.
• Freeze in an airtight container.
• Best if served within a day or two.