Valentine’s White Chocolate-Rose Geranium Ice Cream

Rose geranium by itself signifies “preference.” Paired with a pink rose petal, this delightful dish takes on the deeper symbolism of “a fondness for someone lovely and graceful.”

article image
by Matthew Stallbaumer
Let your loved ones know how fond you are of them with subtle, delicate White Chocolate-Rose Geranium Ice Cream.
3-7 SERVINGS

Ingredients

  • 1 -1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1-1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 10 to 12 fresh rose geranium leaves,    coarsely chopped
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 3/8 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Pink rose petals (at least 7)
  • Rose geranium leaves, whole (at least 7)

Directions

  • Bring milk, cream and geranium to simmer over medium heat. Turn off heat and steep about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, whisk eggs and sugar in bowl. Place white chocolate and vanilla extract in another bowl. Set aside.
  • Strain cream into egg mixture, pressing excess liquid from leaves. Whisk to combine. Pour into saucepan and cook over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens, 5 to 10 minutes. Do not boil. Immediately remove from heat and strain into bowl containing chocolate and vanilla. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cover surface flush with plastic wrap and cool to room temperature.
  • Refrigerate until mixture reaches 40 to 45 degrees, about 3 hours, or place mixture in shallow bowl in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour chilled mixture into ice cream machine and churn following manufacturer’s instructions. (Many ice cream machines have bowls that must be thoroughly frozen first.) Mixture should churn to relatively stiff consistency within 30 minutes. For a firmer consistency, turn churned ice cream into a small chilled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and freeze another 1 to 2 hours before serving.
  • Serve in chilled dishes and garnish with rose petal and geranium leaf.
PRINT RECIPE

Rose geranium is not usually available in grocery stores, but try your nearby garden store or online for starter plants, which can be grown indoors any time of year.

For more Valentine’s day desserts visit Herbal Desserts For Valentine’s Day.


Julia M. Usher is a food writer, recipe designer and food stylist in St. Louis.

Originally published in the February/ March 2007 issue of Herb Companion.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!