Maple Butter Pecan Ice Cream

1. 1

   Melt butter in a skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides. Toast pecans in butter, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes, sprink with salt to taste. Cool pecans and chill in a sealable bag or bowl. Pecans can be made up to 3 days in advance.

2. 2

   In heavy sauce pan bring cream, half and half (or milk), maple syrup and salt just to a boil over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   In a bowl beat yolks until smooth. Add hot cream in a very slow stream, whisking (pour slowly over yolks so as not to scramble the eggs, this is important), and pour back into pan.

4. 4

   Cook custard over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until thermometer reaches 170 degrees F. Pour custard through a sieve into a clean bowl and cool. Stir in extract, cover bowl.

5. 5

   Chill custard at least 3 hours, or until cold, and up to 1 day.

6. 6

   Freeze custard according to your ice cream maker directions, adding pecans during the last few minutes of the cycle. Transfer chilled ice cream to an airtight container (I put in a sealable bowl, and cut parchment paper to fit directly on top of the ice cream), freeze until harden about 2 hours.

7. 7

   As you eat ice cream up, cover exposed areas with parchment to prevent freezer burn. Ice cream will keep for about 1 week.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.