Santa Rosa Plum Ice Cream

I'm really enjoying perusing Lindsey Shere's classic "Chez Panisse Desserts". Her recipes are simple and uncomplicated because they're all about using the highest quality ingredients, in this case, fresh fruits straight from the orchard.

Plums make an especially wonderful ice cream. Something about their tartness helps them to stand up to the cream and eggs so you can still taste the glorious fruit. Also, unlike fruits with a higher percentage of water content, plums add to the body and creaminess of the ice cream. This is my favorite fruit ice cream!

Santa Rosa Plum Ice Cream
Adapted from Chez Panisse Desserts by Lindsey Remolif Shere
Makes about 1 quart

Notes: You'll need a total of 1 cup of whipping cream, divided. If you've stocked up on Santa Rosa Plum Puree, you can skip down to the part about measuring out 1 1/4 cups of plum puree.

Prepare the plum puree
In a large Dutch oven, cook over low to medium heat about 15 minutes until tender, stirring often to prevent plums from sticking:
3/4 lb soft ripe Santa Rosa plums, washed, pitted, halved (or quartered if larger than 2" diameter)
1/4 cup water

Allow to cool a little, then puree in a blender or food processor or food mill. The blender provides the smoothest puree, followed by the food processor and then the food mill.

Measure out and chill:
1 1/4 cups plum puree 

In a small bowl, whisk lightly:
2 egg yolks
Set aside.

In a medium-sized heavy, non-reactive saucepan, warm together until sugar dissolves:
1/2 cup whipping cream
5/8 cup sugar (125g)

Ladle a little of the warm cream mixture into the whisked egg yolks, stirring constantly. Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the spoon. Strain through a medium-fine strainer into a clean container. Stir in reserved plum puree and another:
1/2 cup whipping cream

Chill thoroughly, preferably overnight. Add:
a few drops of vanilla extract
a few drops of kirsch (optional)

Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions for your ice cream maker.

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