Green Tea Ice Cream

Makes about 1 1/2 quarts/1 1/2 liters

Ingredients:

2 cups/470 ml whole milk
2 cups/470 ml whipping cream
9 large egg yolks
1 cup/200 g sugar
1/4 cup/25 g green tea leaves

Method:

In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the milk and cream and bring to a gentle simmer over a medium heat. Add the tea to the milk mixture. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes.

Place the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl and whisk for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thick and creamy. Gradually whisk the tea mixture into the egg mixture to blend.  Line a fine-meshed sieve with paper towels. Strain the tea mixture through the lined sieve and into a clean saucepan. 

Cook the custard over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes, or until the custard coats the back of the spoon. Do not allow the custard to boil or it will curdle. Pour the custard into a large bowl and set the bowl of custard over another large bowl of ice water. Stir the custard until it is cold.

Pour the custard into an ice cream machine and process according to the manufacturer's instructions. Scoop the ice cream into bowls and serve immediately.