Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (Copycat Recipe)

Indulge in the creamy, rich flavor of homemade vanilla bean ice cream that perfectly mimics the beloved Ben & Jerry's classic. This recipe features a delightful blend of fresh vanilla beans and high-quality cream, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for warm days or as a sweet treat any time of the year, this ice cream is a true classic that adheres to traditional culinary methods.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the vanilla bean seeds and the split bean to the saucepan. Continue heating until the mixture is just about to simmer, then remove from heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add a small amount of the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
4. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, whisking continuously.
5. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F to 175°F). Do not let it boil.
6. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the vanilla bean pod and any cooked egg bits.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
9. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.