Apple Challenge: Apple & Cinnamon Ice Cream

[karohemd]

A couple of weeks ago I made ice cream for the first time. I used the following to make a custard:
350ml double cream
250ml single cream
2 egg yolks
3 tbsp demerera sugar
the husk of half a vanilla pod I'd kept in my sugar
This I know how to do so it came out really nicely.
For the flavouring I cooked down two smallish chopped apples with 2tsp of ground cinnamon. This I mixed into the custard using a stick blender to ensure even distribution. The final mix tasted great and I was very happy with it. After it had cooled, I filled the custard into a small freezer tub and put it into my freezer compartment, hoping for the best. Every half hour or so I stirred the mix with a fork to break up the ice that had formed and after about four hours or so it had reached a consistency that was very close to ice cream. I even managed to make a reasonably looking quenelle:

Now for the disappointment: Unlike the custard, the flavour of the finished product was rather weak. I guess I have to pack in more next time. However, as a first attempt, I really happy with it. Any suggestions more than welcome.

Update - A few tips (own experience and others'):
- the initial custard needs to be very strong in flavour, almost too strong to be comfortable when you taste it
- next time I make the above I will cook a stick of cinnamon with the cream and leave to infuse for some time which should intensify the flavour
- use a round container and one is big enough so it's not filled all the way up to make vigorous stirring easier

Comments

[gominokouhai]

I've always wanted to try making iced cream, but every recipe I've ever seen says use an iced cream maker and then in small letters if you haven't got one, then I suppose you could try stirring it manually if you must, but you're a technology-shunning philistine for not owning an iced cream maker. This looks awesome, however. I shall be giving this a go.

[missdiane]

I heard that these aren't as good as a "real" ice cream maker but at least it would be fun!
http://www.amazon.com/Play-Freeze-Cream-Maker-Ball/dp/B000S5XYI2

[karohemd]

14.99 to 500 dollars? Is the luxury version gold plated or something?

[karohemd]

It's always a case of you don't know if you haven't tried. :o) My main reason for not owning an ice cream maker is lack of space and not having a proper freezer, otherwise I would as I'm a bit of a gadget head. AND if I got one I'd want a real one, not one of those cheap jobs where you have to freeze the container as that would prevent spontaneous ice cream making.

I also couldn't really find a difference in texture to shop bought ice cream so this method definitely works. It's just a case of checking regularly so you don't end up with a solid block of ice.
There's another attempt in my journal with blood orange.

[missdiane]

Do you think it would've helped to have roasted the apples first to give them a more concentrated or if sweetened, a caramelized flavor?

Though I'll have to say it looks lovely!

[karohemd]

That might be an idea, actually.
Thanks! I was really surprised it was so smooth considering the crude method I've used.

[ngakmafaery]

...it looks good to me...!