Black Opal Basil & Vanilla

Black Opal Basil & Vanilla Ice Cream~

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 cups half & half

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups fresh black opal basil leaves (not packed)

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and blend with an immersion blender until the sugar is dissolved and the basil is in little flecks. You can also use a food processor or blender.

2. Turn your ice cream maker on and pour the mixture into the machine.

3. Process until the ice cream is a firm soft-serve.

4. Pour into a container and freeze until firm.

My Conclusion~

I have to admit that I was a little worried about making basil ice cream. It just sounds so strange. I have a black opal basil growing in my garden so I decided to use that instead of the green sweet basil. I really like the result! The basil isn't too strong and the vanilla really balances it out. Smooth and creamy. The more I taste it the more that I like it.

Reviews~

Mr. Brown Chick: "I don't know. It's got an earthy, grassy taste. It's not bad."

Tween Chick: "It's creamy. It tastes like water."

Little Chick: "I like it. It's creamy and I taste the vanilla, and just a little bit of the basil."

Toddler Chick: It's ice cream, she loves it!