Company’s coming over and you have worked tirelessly on all the details. Menu, place settings, mood music, decor, you have it all planned out. But time, that ever-present cage that restricts our creative genius, forces us to choose between making a creamy, yet time-consuming, mushroom risotto to go with dinner or chocolate crepe cake for dessert.
But why give up that wow-factor just because of a time crunch? Try this elegant, unique and superbly simple Lavender Ice Cream. No ice cream maker? No problem! This no-churn recipe could not be easier. It is elegant enough to serve on its own, but if you are feeling extra creative, below are some suggestions for augmenting this already memorable dessert.
A word to the wise though. This dessert needs to be made a day in advance which gives you extra time for a pre-dinner glass of Chardonnay and another chapter of that book! You’re welcome…
No Churn Lavender Ice Cream
One can (14 oz./400ml) of sweetened condensed milk, chilled
Two cups (450 ml) of heavy whipping cream, chilled
Three Tbsp. of lavender water (see instructions on how to make below)
Instructions
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. On low speed add condensed milk and lavender water until still peaks form again. At this point, you can add dry lavender buds for effect and flavor enhancement. Scrape mixture into a loaf or 8 x 8 pan and cover and place in freezer to firm up overnight. Take out of the freezer just prior to serving.
How to make lavender water: Steep 10 or so fresh lavender sprigs in one-half cup of boiled water (have no fresh lavender, see below for an essential oil option). When cooled, use the appropriate amount as indicated in the recipe. Lavender oil is one of the essential oils that can be taken internally. For this option, use one drop of lavender oil to one-half cup of chilled water and use the same amount as indicated in the recipe.
Suggestions for added flavors and options:
Add an Earl Grey tea bag to the boiled water for Earl Grey Lavender Ice Cream (Earl Grey gets its unique flavor from bergamot).
Add 2 Tbsp. of honey to the cooled lavender water for Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Drizzle with warm honey before serving.
Puree and strain fresh blackberries for Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream and to get a lavender hue naturally!
Add chunks of good quality white chocolate for White Chocolate Lavender Ice Cream. Top with white chocolate shavings.
Add 1-2 Tbsp. of rose water (make sure you get one that can be ingested) for Lavender Rose Ice cream.
