Ice cream, a beloved frozen treat, has evolved far beyond its humble origins. The realms of ice cream creation have extended to embrace a diverse range of ingredients, combinations and flavors that cater to a wide spectrum of tastes. In this delightful exploration of culinary creativity, we delve into the fusion of wood apple and dark chocolate in ice cream, an extraordinary amalgamation of textures and flavours that brings together the earthy richness of wood apple and the indulgent depth of dark chocolate. The confluence of two seemingly disparate elements highlights the versatility of ice cream as a canvas for culinary innovation, allowing for the harmonious coexistence of contrasting flavours and texture.
Wood apple is a unique tropical fruit native to India and south-east Asia. Its distinctive flavour is a captivating blend of sweet, tangy and mildly bitter notes. This complexity makes wood apple a prized ingredient in various culinary traditions. The fruit’s pulp is often used to make chutneys, beverages and jams, showcasing its versatility in both sweet and savory preparations. The outer shell of wood apple is tough and rigid, protecting the soft and aromatic pulp within. When incorporated into ice cream, the fruit’s pulp introduces a velvety, almost custard- like texture, contrasting beautifully with the creaminess of ice cream. The rich, amber coloured pulp infuses the ice cream with a warm hue, evoking the sense of indulgence even before the first bite.
Beyond its culinary allure, wood apple is also celebrated for its potential health benefits. It is rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and contains an array of vitamins and minerals. Inclusion of wood apple in ice cream not only introduces a unique flavour but also a touch of nutritional value, further enhancing the appeal of this fusion.
Dark chocolate, with its deep and complex flavour profile, has captivated chocolate enthusiasts for centuries. The bitterness of cocoa, interwoven with varying degrees of sweetness, lends dark chocolate a sophisticated and nuanced taste that distinguishes it from the other types of chocolate. When infused into ice cream, dark chocolate adds an aura of elegance, turning a simple frozen dessert into a refined indulgence. The texture of dark chocolate, when finely incorporated into ice cream, creates a delicate yet intense contrast to the creaminess of the base. The tiny shards of chocolate interspersed throughout the ice cream provide moments of blissful crunchiness, enhancing the overall sensory experience. The interaction between the wood apple’s velvety pulp and the dark chocolate’s satisfying crunch creates a symphony of textures that dance on the palate.
Dark chocolate, often regarded as a healthier chocolate option, contains higher levels of cocoa solids and lower levels of sugar. It is known for its potential antioxidant properties and its ability to evoke feelings of pleasure. While indulging in ice cream, the inclusion of dark chocolate introduces a touch of mindful moderation, allowing for the enjoyment of a treat without excessive guilt.
The fusion of wood apple and dark chocolate in ice cream is a testament to the art of flavour balancing. The wood apple’s tangy sweetness plays against the dark chocolate’s bittersweet depth, creating a harmony that is both surprising and delightful. The interplay between the two flavours invites the palate on a journey of discovery, as each spoonful uncovers new facets of taste and texture. Aesthetically, the marriage of wood apple’s warm, amber hue and dark chocolate’s deep cocoa colour creates a visual contrast that is captivating as the flavours themselves. The ice cream becomes a work of edible art, enticing not only the taste buds but also the eyes.
Ingredients:
Ice cream Base:
500 ml milk
4 egg yolk
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
Wood Apple Jam:
1 no. wood apple
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp Water
Wood Apple Ice Cream:
Half of the ice cream base
Wood apple compote
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1-2 drop orange gel food colour (optional)
4 tbsp almond, chopped
Chocolate Ice Cream:
Remaining ice cream base
1/4 cup (25 gm) cocoa powder
100 gm dark chocolate, melted
50 gm dark chocolate, chopped
Garnish:
2 tbsp almond, sliced
Preparation:
Ice Cream Base:
- Step 1: Heat milk in a pan on low heat. Meanwhile in a separate bowl, whisk egg yolk and sugar until it turns pale yellow.
- Step 2: Then slowly whisk about a third of the hot milk in the yolk mixture slowly and steadily, then pour the custard mixture back into the pan with the remaining milk.
- Step 3: Return the pan to the oven over medium-low heat and gently cook until mixture is thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, around 6-8 minutes.
- Step 4: Then blend the custard mixture using a hand blender and strain through a fine sieve into a bowl, cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour.
- Step 5: Whip the heavy cream until soft peak is formed, then gently fold in the custard base in the whipped cream. Your ice cream base is now ready.
- Step 6: Equally divide the ice cream base in 2 bowls. Set aside.
Wood Apple Jam:
- Step 1: Break the wood apple using a rolling pin and scoop out the pulp.
- Step 2: Add the pulp in a pan, then add sugar and water, stir to mix. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes on low flame. Once the jam is cooked turn off the heat.
- Step 3: Next strain the jam through sieve and set aside.
Wood Apple Ice Cream:
- Step 1: Take half of the ice cream base in a mixing bowl then gently fold in wood apple jam in the ice cream mixture, then add cinnamon powder & orange food colour and mix well.
- Step 2: Then pour the mixture in a container or box with a lid. Freeze for 2 hours.
- Step 3: After 2 hours blend the frozen ice cream in a blender. Then return it to the freezer for another 2 hours.
- Step 3: Repeat the blending process for 2-3 more times. After the final blending process add 1 tbsp chopped almond and set aside.
Dark Chocolate Ice Cream:
- Step 1: Take the remaining ice cream base in a mixing bowl. Then combine cocoa powder and whisk until well corporated.
- Step 2: Then add melted dark chocolate and add to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Step 3: Then pour the mixture in a container or box with a lid. Freeze for 2 hours.
- Step 4: After 2 hours blend the frozen ice cream in a blender. Then return it to the freezer for another 2 hours,.
- Step 5: Repeat the blending process for 2-3 more times. After the final blending process add chopped dark chocolate and set aside.
Assemble the Wood Apple and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream:
- Step 1: Take a loaf tin and wrap a piece of cardboard with foil paper. Place the foil wrapped cardboard inside the loaf tin. This will create a partition between the two ice cream flavors.
- Step 2: Pour the wood apple ice cream mixture in one section of the tin and the dark chocolate ice cream mixture into the other section of the tin.
- Step 3: Then gently remove the foil wrapped cardboard and use a knife to create a swirl. This will create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Step 4: Spread sliced almond on top of the ice cream mixture. Cover the loaf tin with plastic wrap and freeze for 24 hours.
- Step 5: Once the ice cream is ready. Serve and enjoy. Relish the harmonious blend of wood apple’s tanginess and rich dark chocolate.
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
FOLLOW ME
My Latest Posts
- post 1
- post 2