Johns Coffee Ice Cream Recipes

COFFEE CAN ICE CREAM

Steps:

• For the vanilla ice cream base: Add the heavy cream, milk, sugar and vanilla to a 10-ounce metal coffee can with a lid (see Cook's Note). Close the lid and secure it with duct tape, making sure the can is completely sealed. Shake the mixture lightly to combine. Place the sealed can into an empty 3-pound coffee can with a lid.
• Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin from the ice and salt. Add the ice around and on top of the sealed can, so the can is completely encased in ice. Pour 1 cup of the rock salt over the ice. Close the large can with the lid and secure it with duct tape. Place the large can on its side directly on the floor or a yoga mat, if desired (see Cook's Note). Roll the can back and forth, making sure to make a full rotation with each roll, about 20 minutes. The rolling is easier with a partner, but it can be done alone.
• Open the large can and discard the ice and salt. Rinse the small can with water; this will help keep any salt from getting in the ice cream. Open the small can. The mixture should be partially solid with some liquid with crystals forming. Use a large metal spoon to scrape any solids that have accumulated on the sides and bottom of the can and stir them into the rest of the mixture.
• Seal the small can again with the lid and duct tape. Refill the large can with ice and the remaining 1 cup salt. Seal the large can again with the lid and duct tape. Roll for another 15 to 20 minutes. Open the large can and discard the ice and salt. Rinse the small can and open. Scrape the sides and bottom with the large metal spoon. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container.
• For the coffee ice cream: Follow the instructions for the vanilla ice cream base, substituting the cold brew or strong coffee for 1/2 cup of the whole milk.
• For the chocolate ice cream: Follow the instructions for the vanilla ice cream base, substituting the full-fat chocolate milk for the whole milk. In addition, add the chocolate syrup to the milk mixture, if desired, for a richer flavor.
• For the cookies and cream ice cream: Follow the instructions for the vanilla ice cream base. After rolling the mixture for the first 20 minutes and stirring in any solid ice cream, stir in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Seal and continue to roll following the instructions.
• For the chocolate chip ice cream: Follow the instructions for the vanilla ice cream base, adding 1/3 cup finely chopped chocolate (2 ounces) to the cream and milk mixture before rolling.
• For the mint chocolate chip ice cream: Follow the instructions for the vanilla ice cream base, adding 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the cream and milk mixture before rolling.

JOHN'S COFFEE ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Prepare an ice-water bath. Stir together espresso powder and hot water in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar and egg yolks.
• Combine cream, milk, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Scrape vanilla seeds into pan; add pod. Bring mixture just to a simmer. While whisking constantly, slowly ladle about 1/4 cup hot milk mixture into egg yolk mixture. Continue adding remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly, about 1/4 cup at a time.
• Pour mixture back into saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3 to 5 minutes. (The custard should retain a line drawn with your finger across the back of a spoon.) Stir in espresso mixture. Strain through a fine sieve into a medium bowl set in the prepared ice-water bath. Stir occasionally until cool. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour and preferably overnight.
• Pour mixture into ice cream maker. Process according to manufacturer's instructions. The ice cream is ready once it holds its shape when the machine stops but sags slightly. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze.

CHEF JOHN'S STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Place strawberries and sugar in a blender and pulse until pureed; steep for 10 minutes.
• Pour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt into strawberry mixture; blend until smooth and slightly thickened, 10 to 15 seconds. Whisk red food color into cream mixture.
• Pour strawberry mixture into the container of an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer ice cream to a sealable container, cover the ice cream with plastic wrap, seal the container, and freeze, 2 hours to overnight.
• Process in an ice cream maker until thick. Immediately transfer to a sealable container, cover with plastic wrap, cover the bowl with a lid and freeze for 2 hours to overnight.