Persimmon Topping For 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.

BUTTERED PECAN ICE CREAM TOPPING

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is melted and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the pecans, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool slightly.

STEAMED PERSIMMON PUDDING

Steps:

• Butter a 12-cup pudding mold. Fill a large pot fitted with a steamer insert with enough water to come halfway up mold (test this with an empty mold); set aside. Sift flour, spices, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Put Calvados and sultanas into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Drain; discard liquid. Set raisins aside.
• Meanwhile, slice tops off persimmons. Scoop out flesh, and press through a sieve into a bowl, discarding skins (you should have 1 1/2 cups persimmon puree). Whisk in milk; set aside.
• Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add persimmon mixture in 2 batches, scraping down sides of bowl after each addition. Mix in baking soda mixture. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in pecans, sultanas, and ginger. Pour into prepared mold; cover with buttered parchment and lid.
• Bring water in prepared pot to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer. Carefully lower mold into steamer. Cover pot, and steam until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 3 to 3 1/2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure water level is maintained (add hot water as needed).
• Transfer mold to a wire rack; remove lid and parchment. Let cool 15 minutes. Unmold pudding onto a plate, and cut into slices. Serve with persimmon slices and Calvados cream.

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.