Neapolitan Dream Recipes

NEAPOLITAN ICE CREAM

Steps:

• For the custard base and vanilla ice cream layer: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the half-and-half and sugar. Stir it around to combine.
• Using a small paring knife, split the vanilla bean down the middle. Scrape out the caviar inside and add it to the pan along with the bean. Stir the mixture around and heat it up until it's hot but not boiling.
• Add the egg yolks to a medium bowl and whisk them vigorously until the yolks are slightly lighter in color, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the vanilla bean from the saucepan. Grab a ladle of the hot half-and-half mixture and drizzle it very slowly into the yolks, whisking constantly. This will temper the egg yolks so that they don't scramble when they're added to the saucepan. Add another ladle of the hot liquid, and when it's mixed in, pour the egg mixture slowly into the half-and-half mixture, stirring with a spoon until the mixture is thick and coating the spoon, 2 minutes or so.
• Set a fine-mesh strainer over a clean glass bowl and strain the custard. Don't worry if it looks a little lumpy! That just means you're perfectly imperfect. Add the heavy cream to the bowl and stir to combine. Divide the mixture into three pitchers; set aside one pitcher to work with for the chocolate ice cream layer, and chill the other two.
• For the chocolate ice cream layer: Melt the dark chocolate chips with the heavy cream over a double boiler. When the chocolate and cream mixture is smooth and melted, add 1 cup of the reserved custard and combine. Return this mixture back to the pitcher. (This step is to ease the mixing process to make it easier to pour back into the custard and could therefore be omitted.) Whisk the cocoa into the pitcher. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn as per the manufacturer's instructions. (This will take approximately 1 hour.)
• Line two 6-cup loaf pans with plastic wrap. Scoop half of the chocolate ice cream into each. Smooth them over and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour.
• To make the vanilla ice-cream layer, add the second pitcher of custard to the ice cream maker and churn according to the instructions. (Again, approximately 1 hour.)
• Remove the loaf pans from the freezer and spread half of the vanilla ice cream in each. Smooth and return to the freezer for at least 1 hour.
• For the strawberry ice cream layer: Combine the strawberries, sugar and red food coloring in a blender and puree until smooth (or you can stop just short of smooth if you want a little texture). Pour the pureed strawberries into the final third of the chilled custard mixtures and stir. Pour into the ice cream maker and churn.
• Remove the two pans from the freezer and scoop half of the strawberry ice cream into each, making the final layer. Smooth and return to the freezer for at least an hour.
• To serve: Remove the loaf pans from the freezer, turn them upside down onto a serving plate and remove the plastic wrap. Slice neatly with a knife that has been dipped in very hot water.

NEAPOLITAN ICE CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with a parchment paper circle.
• Cover the bottom of the pan with the pound cake, using any extra pieces to line the sides of the pan if desired. Scoop the chocolate ice cream onto the cake layer. Spread with an offset spatula to make a smooth top. Scoop the strawberry ice cream over the chocolate layer and smooth the top. Scoop the pistachio ice cream over the strawberry layer and smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
• Unmold the cake by running a knife around the edge of it, then unhinge the springform and remove. Invert the cake onto a sheet of plastic wrap and remove the bottom of the pan and the parchment. Place a plate on the bottom and invert once more.
• Put the heavy cream, chocolate syrup, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl and whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. (This makes enough frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake with additional to pipe decorations if desired.)
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream frosting and sprinkle with the pistachios. If the cake begins to get too soft, put it back into the freezer for a few minutes.
• Freeze another 1 1/2 to 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

NEAPOLITAN CREAM CHEESE BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, melted butter and 1 egg until soft dough forms. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and the remaining 2 eggs with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread over cookie base.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Cool 30 minutes. Spread frosting over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

NEAPOLITAN DREAM

Steps:

• Crush the vanilla wafers, and combine with the melted butter.
• Pour in a 9x13" pan, pressing and and spreading evenly to make a crust.
• Slice the bananas and layer on top of the crumb base.
• Slice the ice cream in 1/2" slices, and lay on top of the banana layer.
• Press the pecans onto the ice cream.
• Freeze.
• Prepare the topping by placing all ingredients except vanilla in saucepan, and cooking slowly over low-medium heat until thick and creamy.
• Add the vanilla and allow to cool somewhat.
• Pour on top of the frozen ice cream.
• Cover and return to the freezer.
• Keeps indefinitely.