Mandarin Orange Ice Cream with Sesame Brittle

A luxurious homemade ice cream combining the bright citrus flavors of mandarin oranges with a crunchy sesame seed brittle. This elegant dessert features a rich custard base infused with fresh mandarin juice and zest, complemented by a sweet and nutty sesame brittle made with both black and white sesame seeds.

8 servings
11 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 3 cups fresh mandarin orange or clementine juice
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • cup mild honey
  • ½ tablespoon grated mandarin orange or clementine zest
  • cup white sesame seeds (not toasted)
  • ½ cup black sesame seeds (not toasted)
  • cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons mild honey
  • 1 piece ice cream maker

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring cream, juice, and a pinch of salt to a simmer in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Whisk together yolks, sugar, and honey, then add half of cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Pour back into saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard thickens slightly and registers 170 to 175°F on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil).

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in zest. Chill custard, stirring occasionally, until cold, at least 6 hours.

    360 min

  4. 4.

    Place a large sheet of foil (shiny side up) on a heatproof work surface.

    2 min

  5. 5.

    Toast white and black sesame seeds in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring until white seeds are golden, about 8 minutes, then transfer to a plate.

    8 min

  6. 6.

    Heat sugar and honey with a pinch of salt in a 2 quart heavy sauce pan over medium heat, stirring often, until deep golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in sesame seeds and remove from heat. Pour mixture onto foil, smoothing top and spreading into a 10-to 11-inch round with a metal offset spatula (mixture will be very hot), then cool to room temperature.

    20 min

  7. 7.

    Invert brittle onto a cutting board and peel off foil. Cut brittle into small pieces. Transfer to airtight container.

    10 min

  8. 8.

    Freeze custard in an ice cream maker in 2 separate batches. Fold 3/4 cup sesame brittle into each batch after freezing. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to firm up, about 4 hours. Serve with remaining brittle if desired.

    240 min

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