Imagine a dessert so exquisite, it transports you straight to the elegant streets of Paris with just one spoonful. This isn't just any ordinary ice cream - this is Il Gelato del Marchese Paris, a luxurious Italian gelato that promises to revolutionize your dessert experience. Creamy, rich, and impossibly smooth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece that will make you feel like culinary royalty. Whether you're a passionate home cook or a dessert enthusiast, prepare to unlock the secrets of creating restaurant-quality gelato in your very own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your mise en place by gathering all ingredients and equipment, including a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk, fine-mesh strainer, and an ice cream maker.
- In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy, creating a smooth custard base.
- Slowly temper the egg mixture by gradually pouring the hot milk and cream into the egg yolks while continuously whisking to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
- Cook the custard until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, reaching approximately 175°F (80°C). Be careful not to boil the mixture.
- Remove from heat and immediately strain the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any potential egg solids.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate the flavor throughout the custard.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap directly touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing it to chill completely and develop deeper flavors.
- Prepare your ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions, chilling the machine's container if required.
- Pour the chilled custard into the ice cream maker and churn according to the machine's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Once the gelato reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
- For optimal texture, let the gelato set in the freezer for 2-3 hours before serving.
- To serve, let the gelato sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly, ensuring the most luxurious and creamy texture.
Tips
- Temperature is crucial - use a digital thermometer to ensure precise custard cooking
- Always strain your custard to achieve that silky-smooth texture
- Chill your mixture thoroughly before churning for best results
- Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find
- Allow gelato to temper slightly before serving for the most luxurious mouthfeel
- Invest in a good-quality ice cream maker for consistent results
- Experiment with additional flavors like espresso, chocolate, or fruit purees to customize your gelato
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 160mg
