![Vanilla-Almond Ice Cream with Cherries and Pistachios](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/6DoOcldT58xw9antXYvugObm1iU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vanilla-almond-ice-cream-with-cherries-and-pistachios-XL-RECIPE0616_2-5f99b97864754aaeb04b4f0bebcf7bd4.jpg)
Ingredients
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6 large egg yolks
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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3/4 cup sugar
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
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1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
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3/4 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
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1/4 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
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Set a medium bowl in a large bowl of ice water. In another medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale, 1 to 2 minutes.
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In a medium saucepan, whisk the cream with the milk, sugar, salt and the vanilla bean and seeds. Bring to a simmer, whisking, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Very gradually whisk half of the hot cream mixture into the beaten egg yolks in a thin stream, then whisk this mixture into the saucepan. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard is thick enough to lightly coat the back of the spoon, about 12 minutes; don’t let it boil.
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Strain the custard through a medium-mesh strainer into the bowl set in the ice water; discard the vanilla bean. Let the custard cool completely, stirring occasionally. Stir in the almond extract. Pour into a large resealable freezer bag and seal, pressing out the air. Lay the bag flat in the freezer and freeze until firm, at least 8 hours or overnight.
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Working quickly, in batches if necessary, transfer the frozen custard to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse at 5-second intervals until smooth. Transfer the custard to a chilled 9-by-4-inch metal loaf pan and fold in the cherries and pistachios. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 6 hours or overnight.
Make Ahead
The ice cream can be frozen for up to 1 week
Notes
Instead of cherries and pistachios, try folding in 1 cup of chopped chocolate-covered pretzels or chopped halvah.