Spice Ice Cream
Submitted by psycnrs1 on May 17, 2009 at 6:45 am

1 vanilla bean split, seeds scraped
4 cinnamon sticks
1 whole anise (optional)
2 c. milk
6 lg. egg yolks
1/4 c. plus 2 Tbs. sugar
2 c. heavy cream, very cold

Place vanilla bean, scraped seeds, cinnamon sticks, and anise in saucepan with the milk. Over medium heat bring to a simmer, cover, and remove from the heat. Allow to steep for 30 minutes: then strain. You may throw away the solids.

Combine egg yolks and sugar, whisk until pale yellow, about 3 minutes.

Fill large bowl with ice and water and sit to the side. Return the milk to the stove bring to a simmer.

Add eggs and sugar by slowly pouring into the pan, whisking constantly until thick enough to cover back of my spoon, about 5 minutes. The mixture should leave a mark on the back of the spoon when you run your finger across.

Remove from heat and stir in cold cream. If need strain again into a bowl set into the ice bath. Stir occasionally until cool. Cover bowl and put into fridge until well chilled. Then pour into ice cream maker and freeze.