Goat Cheese Ice Cream With Fennel, Lemon and Honey

Published: June 2, 2021

Total Time: 1½ hours (preparation) + 4+ hours (freezing)

Difficulty: Moderate (Requires custard preparation and ice cream churning)

Ingredients

• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk

• ⅔ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon zest (from 1 large lemon, finely grated)

• 1 teaspoon (5 g) crushed fennel seeds (or ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) whole anise seeds, lightly crushed)

• Pinch of salt

• 4 large egg yolks

• 8 ounces (225 g) plain fresh goat cheese (chèvre), crumbled

• ¼ cup (45 g) honey

• 1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Milk Base Preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, crushed fennel seeds, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble at the edges (but before full boiling). Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching or sugar crystallization.

Step 2: Tempering Egg Yolks & Thickening the Custard

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.

2. Slowly pour 1 cup (240 ml) of the hot milk mixture into the yolks in a steady stream, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (prevent curdling).

3. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Return to low heat and stir continuously with a heatproof spatula for 5–8 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (temperature should reach 175°F/79°C). Remove from heat.

4. Immediately whisk in the crumbled goat cheese until completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Cooling the Custard

Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any lumps or zest particles. Set the bowl in an ice bath (fill a larger bowl with ice and water, then submerge the custard bowl) and stir occasionally for 20–30 minutes until the mixture cools to room temperature. For faster cooling, refrigerate for 2–3 hours.

Step 4: Churning & Honey Swirls

Transfer the cooled custard to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20–30 minutes), until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency.

To incorporate honey:

• While churning, drizzle the honey through the machine’s feed tube (if available).

• Alternatively, transfer the partially churned ice cream (soft-serve) to a freezer-safe container in ½-cup portions. Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of honey over each portion, then use a fork to gently swirl the honey into the ice cream for marbled layers.

Step 5: Freezing & Serving

Cover the ice cream container tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until firm. Before serving, let the ice cream soften at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to scoop easily. Serve in chilled bowls with fresh blueberries, if using.

Community Insights & Tips

Alternative Methods

• No Ice Cream Machine: Freeze the custard in a shallow container, breaking up the edges with a fork every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to create a softer texture. The result will be slightly grainier but still delicious.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Custard Not Thickening: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 175°F/79°C. If too thin, add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to thicken.

• Ice Cream Churn Malfunction: High fat content in the goat cheese can overload older machines. Ensure your churn is well-maintained or use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment to emulsify the base.

Variations

• Goat Milk Only: Substitute 1 cup of whole milk with 1 cup goat’s milk, adding 1 tbsp heavy cream to compensate for lower fat content.

• Seasonal Additions: Stew fresh blueberries or strawberries and fold into the ice cream for a burst of flavor.

Reviews & Recommendations

• “The finished product was sublime—fennel seeds dissolve into a subtle warmth, honey pockets burst like little gifts, and blueberries add tart contrast. I’m now the most popular guest on County Road FF!”

• “On a hot August night, the combination of fresh blueberries and creamy goat cheese ice cream was perfection. The textural contrast is unbeatable.”

Enjoy this sophisticated yet approachable dessert, perfect for warm evenings or special gatherings! 🍦