Huckleberry Ice Cream

Step 1

Start by combining 1 and 1/2 cups of the huckleberries, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and the water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the huckleberries have released their juices and burst and the sauce has had time to reduce a little bit and thicken slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 2

Meanwhile, combine the cream, milk, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the liquid is hot but not yet at a simmer. It should just steam a bit when you lift a spoonful from the pan.

Step 3

While the milk and cream are heating, whisk the egg yolks and remaining 1/3 cup of sugar in a bowl until light. Slowly whisk 1/2 to 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks to temper the eggs, which is just gently raising their temperature without scrambling them. Add the tempered egg yolk mixture to the pot and continue to cook and stir 2-4 minutes longer until the custard reaches 170 to 175 degrees F on a candy thermometer or is thick enough to coat the back of a spatula or spoon.

Step 4

Remove the custard base from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the huckleberry compote and stir to combine. Chill thoroughly over an ice water bath or by sticking this in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Step 5

When the base is completely chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes until it is the consistency of soft-serve. At this point, add in the remaining 1 cup of huckleberries, letting them churn in to evenly disperse in the ice cream. Transfer to a freezer-safe container for freeze for 4-6 hours until hard and scoopable.