It has been a while since Chad returned from Argentina bearing gifts, including a tub of Havanna Dulce de Leche. Although we have from time to time dipped our spoons into the tub of delicious, milky, caramel goodness (usually late at night), I have been meaning to make the contents of that tub into ice cream. Well, Gourmet Magazine, it jut so happens, featured an article on dulce de leche in the May issue. Apparently, Argentina and Uruguay are at odds over which country can lay claim to the creation of DDL. According to Chad, the treat is sold at pastry shops and stores all over Buenos Aires. I don't really care who invented it as long as they keep making it!
This ice cream recipe is really simple- it is just cream and milk boiled and then flavored with DDL, vanilla, and pecans. Quick-chill, churn, freeze, and voila! This is my favorite ice cream of all time, and I promise I am not exaggerating. It is one of those desserts that, after every bite, causes the one who enjoys it to close her eyes and say, "mmmm...."
It would be a good idea to go ahead and get your big bowl of ice and water ready before you start, just to make your life easier! I have seen DDL at Viet Hoa in the mexican section, and I would imagine you can also get it at other mexican markets around.
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
makes about 1 1/2 quarts
Gourmet Magazine, May 2007
2 c whole milk
1 c heavy cream
1 lb dulce de leche (about 1 2/3 c)
1/8 t pure vanilla extract
3/4 c chopped pecans
Bring milk and cream just to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, then remove from the heat and whisk in dulce de leche until dissolved. Whisk in vanilla and transfer to a metal bowl. Quick-chill by putting bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stirring occasionally until cold, about 15 to 20 minutes. Freeze in ice cream maker until almost firm, then fold in pecans. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and freeze at least one hour until hardened. Keeps one week in the freezer.
On the DDL topic, I just happened into a Starbucks yesterday, and they have jumped on the Dulce de Leche bandwagon. I have a very yummy DDL frappaccino for dinner.
Posted by: Molly | May 10, 2007 at 02:20 PM
I had a nonfat dulce de leche latte this morning--so delicious!! I am usually a total coffee snob and make it at home almost every morning, but I was running late today...
Posted by: Macrae | May 10, 2007 at 08:26 PM