When figs are around it’s as if we’re experiencing a rarity like Hailey’s Comet. Especially for us lovers who live in regions where this fancy fruit isn’t common, when we spot them, we flock and bring home as many as we can. In case you haven’t already noticed from endless photos on Instagram, we love our figs!
I’ve mentioned almost every time, but figs are my favorite fruit, not just because they are uniquely delicious, they represent more than just food, they are a special bond my grandfather and I share. Isn’t it wonderful how the simple things in our lives, like food, can make us feel so many emotions, remind of cherished people and moments. It’s why food is the main focal point during the holidays when we’re all together.
…But these sweet figs, let’s not forget about them because they don’t last a month, they flee in the blink of an eye. They’re sneaking little fruits, first lightly popping up in early summer, and then entirely all in early fall.
Another reason to love figs, their beautiful vibrant and soft hues. Its color palette is one of my favorites for fall. It’s intricate coloring once opened appears even more lovely with is textured center.
On its own this brown sugar ice cream is delicious. It’s subtly sweet, and rich like maple syrup. The fig preserves pair beautifully with the brown sugar.
There is a comforting richness from both ingredients, but when you find the swirls of soft fig jam, that’s the best. They are tiny bitefuls of fig heaven! Imagine what this ice cream would taste like if I had and endless supply of figs..one can only dream.
Brown Sugar Fig Ice Cream
Ingredients {Makes 1 quart}
1 3/4 cups – 2% MilkHeavy Cream
3/4 cups – Heavy Cream
1/2 cup – Brown Sugar
1/4 teaspoon – Salt
5 large – Egg Yolks
2 teaspoons – Pure Vanilla Extract
Fig Preserves {make your own with this recipe, or use your favorite jar}
Recipe
To make the base, stir the cream, milk, half of the brown sugar {1/4 cup} and salt in a heavy saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. When the cream mixture just begins to simmer, then reduce to low heat. In the meantime, whisk the yolks in a heat proof bowl, then add in the remaining sugar and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the yolk mixture, while whisking quickly. Add another ladle of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, making sure to whisk quickly to not curdle the eggs. With a clean spatula, stir the cream mixture as you slowly add in the tempered eggs back into the saucepan.
Cook the ice cream base over medium heat, stirring constantly until it has thickened, and the mixture coats the back of the spoon and holds a clear path when you run your finger through {about 2 minutes}. Strain the base through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean container, over an ice water bath. Using a clean spatula, stir the base frequently until it has cooled to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Freeze the ice cream, by adding the vanilla extract to the chilled base, stirring until combined. Pour the base into your ice cream machine and freeze following your manufacturer’s directions.
Place your container into the freezer to chill. When the ice cream has reached the consistency of soft serve, place into your container, and dot with the fig preserves. Working quickly so the ice cream doesn’t melt, stir fig into the ice cream using a chopstick, or knife. Freeze at least 4 hours to set.