Oh my goodness, Lemon Thyme Ice Cream! Let me tell you, this delightful treat is one that holds a special place in my heart (and taste buds). The first time I made it was during a sweltering summer afternoon, and I was trying to think of a way to combine my love for fresh herbs with my undying affection for ice cream. Let’s just say, fresh lemon and fragrant thyme stirred together in a creamy base changed everything for me!
There’s something absolutely refreshing about the zingy lemon combined with the subtle earthiness of thyme. It’s like a homemade summer vacation in a cone. Plus, it’s not your everyday ice cream flavor, so serving it at gatherings always earns those surprised “oohs” and “aahs.” Trust me; your friends will think you’re the next ice cream guru after you whip up a batch of this.
What’s in Lemon Thyme Ice Cream?
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for that bright, tangy flavor. Store-bought lemon juice just won’t cut it! It’s like the sun shining on your taste buds.
Lemon Zest: Don’t throw away that lemon peel! Grating the outer zest intensifies the lemon flavor and gives it a zesty punch.
Fresh Thyme: This aromatic herb adds an exquisite depth to the ice cream that will have you swooning. Make sure to use fresh thyme – the dried stuff doesn’t do it justice.
Heavy Cream: Ah, the cream! This is the base for our ice cream, imparting a rich, velvety texture that’s pure ice cream happiness.
Whole Milk: Mixing heavy cream with whole milk keeps this ice cream from being overly rich while still delivering that creamy goodness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here, and sugar balances the tartness of the lemon beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch! Salt elevates all the flavors and rounds everything out, making it even more delicious.
Is Lemon Thyme Ice Cream Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest – while this ice cream is more about celebrating flavors than health goals, there are a few silver linings.
Lemon Juice: It’s packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. Plus, its refreshing properties can help with hydration, especially after a hot day.
Thyme: This herb has been known to have antimicrobial properties, plus it adds some antioxidants to your treat! Not too shabby for an ice cream flavor, huh?
However, the heavy cream and sugar do make this a dessert to enjoy in moderation. It’s a treat after all, so my advice – savor every scoop and enjoy it guilt-free!
Ingredients
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (with leaves stripped)
– A pinch of salt
– Makes about 4-6 servings
How to Make Lemon Thyme Ice Cream?
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is steaming, but not boiling.
2. Once hot, remove from the heat and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir well to combine.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature and infuse the flavors for about 30 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the more pronounced the thyme flavor will be.
4. After infusing, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl (this will remove the thyme leaves and zest).
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled.
6. Once chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. After churning, transfer to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to solidify.
8. Scoop, serve, and watch everyone fall in love with this unique flavor!
Flavor Delight Tips and Serving Suggestions
If you want to take this ice cream to the next level, consider serving it alongside a warm piece of lemon cake or even drizzled with a hint of honey. You can also use it as a vibrant addition to a berry parfait—layer it with fresh berries for a refreshing dish.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of gin or vodka to the mixture before churning for a grown-up twist! Who knew ice cream could be so versatile?
I truly hope you give this Lemon Thyme Ice Cream a try and find it as refreshing and delightful as I do. Don’t forget to share your experiences and perhaps even your unique variations with me! Happy churning!