Vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

600ml/1pt double cream

1 vanilla pod, split lengthways

pared zest of 1 lemon

4 eggs, beaten, plus 2 egg yolks

175g/6oz caster sugar

Ways of Working

1. Put the cream in a heavy saucepan and heat gently, whisking.

2. Add the vanilla pod, lemon zest, eggs and yolks to the pan, and heat until the mixture nearly reaches boiling point. Reduce the heat and cook for 8–10 minutes, whisking continuously, until thickened.

3. Stir the sugar into the cream mixture, set aside and leave to cool. Once cool, strain the mixture through a sieve.

4. Slit open the vanilla pod, scrape out the tiny black seeds and stir into the cream. Pour the mixture into a shallow freezing container with a lid, and freeze overnight until set.

Serves 6