Sinfully Rich Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

1. 1

   Have a large bowl of ice water ready.

2. 2

   Place the milk in a small saucepan with the vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, agave nectar, and salt.

3. 3

   Heat over low heat until the mixture is hot.

4. 4

   Lightly beat the egg yolks in a bowl.

5. 5

   Add 1/4 cup of the hot milk and whisk.

6. 6

   Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it starts to thicken, about 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove from the heat and place the saucepan in a bowl of ice water.

8. 8

   Continue stirring to cool down the mixture.

9. 9

   When the mixture is only slightly warm, stir in the cream.

10. 10

    Remove the vanilla bean and discard.

11. 11

    Cover and chill in the refrigerator until coldseveral hours or overnight is best.

12. 12

    Pour the mixture through a strainer into the ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturers instructions.

13. 13

    Be creative.

14. 14

    During the last 5 minutes of freezing, add approximately 1/2 cup of your favorite ice cream mixers.

15. 15

    Some suggestions:

16. 16

    Toasted nuts

17. 17

    Grain-sweetened chocolate chips

18. 18

    Chopped dried fruit

19. 19

    Crumbled cookies (made with agave, of course)

20. 20

    Agave brownie crumbles

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.