Tasty Tuesday: David Leboviz's Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream

When we were planning our trip to Paris last year, I found David Lebovitz's blog to be informative, interesting, and full of totally sinful recipes.  One of his best recommendations was eating as much Berthillon ice cream as a person could possibly consume.  I will admit to having more than one scoop, but my absolute favorite remains their salted caramel ice cream.  I still get cravings for this deliciously rich treat!

Seeing as my sister is a very talented pastry chef, I mentioned to her that David had published a recipe for the ice cream on his blog and encouraged her to try her hand at making it.  She did and included it with a few accompaniments at the restaurant where she works.  The special sold like hot cakes, but its run was over before we moved back to town, and I was unable to get my fill of this Parisian delicacy.

When she and my friends began planning my baby shower (lots more on that tomorrow), she asked if I had any special requests.  I could not think of any more special a request that having her make a batch of Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream.  It turns out that this request set the tone for the day, as the fabulous hostesses planned a Parisian themed shower fit for a queen. 

I cannot tell you how many people I heard say after just one spoonful that it was the best ice cream they have ever tasted.  I couldn't agree more.  I know this recipe is long and probably too cumbersome to wrap your head around after just one read, but if you are ever looking to be an ambitious at home chef - here's your chance!!!

Berthillon's Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream

For the caramel praline (mix-in)

½ cup (100 gr) sugar

¾ teaspoon sea salt, such as fleur de sel

For the ice cream custard

2 cups (500 ml) whole milk, divided

1½ cups (300 gr) sugar

4 tablespoons (60 gr) salted butter

scant ½ teaspoon sea salt

1 cups (250 ml) heavy cream

5 large egg yolks

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. To make the caramel praline, spread the ½ cup (100 gr) of sugar in an even layer in a medium-sized, unlined heavy duty saucepan: I use a 6 quart/liter pan. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or brush it sparingly with unflavored oil.

2. Heat the sugar over moderate heat until the edges begin to melt. Use a heatproof utensil to gently stir the liquefied sugar from the bottom and edges towards the center, stirring, until all the sugar is dissolved. (Or most of it—there may be some lumps, which will melt later.)  Continue to cook stirring infrequently until the caramel starts smoking and begins to smell like it’s just about to burn. It won’t take long.

3. Without hesitation, sprinkle in the ¾ teaspoon salt without stirring (don’t even pause to scratch your nose), then pour the caramel onto the prepared baking sheet and lift up the baking sheet immediately, tilting and swirling it almost vertically to encourage the caramel to form as thin a layer as possible. Set aside to harden and cool.

4. To make the ice cream, make an ice bath by filling a large bowl about a third full with ice cubes and adding a cup or so of water so they’re floating. Nest a smaller metal bowl (at least 2 quarts/liters) over the ice, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of the milk into the inner bowl, and rest a mesh strainer on top of it.

5. Spread 1½ cups (300 gr) sugar in the saucepan in an even layer. Cook over moderate heat, until caramelized, using the same method described in Step #2.

6. Once caramelized, remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt, until butter is melted, then gradually whisk in the cream, stirring as you go.  The caramel may harden and seize, but return it to the heat and continue to stir over low heat until any hard caramel is melted. Stir in 1 cup (250 ml) of the milk.

7. Whisk the yolks in a small bowl and gradually pour some of the warm caramel mixture over the yolks, stirring constantly. Scrape the warmed yolks back into the saucepan and cook the custard using a heatproof utensil, stirring constantly (scraping the bottom as you stir) until the mixture thickens. If using an instant-read thermometer, it should read 160-170 F (71-77 C).

8. Pour the custard through the strainer into the milk set over the ice bath, add the vanilla, then stir frequently until the mixture is cooled down. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

9. Freeze the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

10. While the ice cream is churning, crumble the hardened caramel praline into very little bits, about the size of very large confetti (about ½-inch, or 1 cm). I use a mortar and pestle, although you can make your own kind of music using your hands or a rolling pin.

11. Once your caramel ice cream is churned, quickly stir in the crushed caramel, then chill in the freezer until firm.

Note: As the ice cream sits, the little bits of caramel may liquefy and get runny and gooey, which is what they’re intended to do.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?