Heaven of Tea

At first, this might not sound like a delicious Summertime treat. But your first instinct would be wrong. Matcha, which is the Japanese powdered green tea used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, makes a wonderful Green Tea ice cream that the whole family will enjoy. And because the basis is Matcha, it provides an antioxidant (and EGCG) kick that you won’t get from less interesting ice creams.

Matcha makes a frothy green tea that is a bit different than most green teas. And the ice cream is a sweet dessert with just the right amount of Matcha taste that makes it taste great. Here’s the recipe (you will need an Ice Cream Maker):

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk (or 1 cup Half n’ Half for creamier consistency)
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large eggs
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Matcha

Preparation
Bring cream, milk, and salt just to a boil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan and remove from heat. Whisk together eggs, sugar, and Matcha in a bowl (tea will not be completely dissolved), then add 1 cup hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking vigorously.

Whisk this custard into remaining cream mixture in saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick enough to coat back of spoon and registers 170°F on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil).
Immediately pour custard through a fine sieve into a metal bowl, cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 1 hour.
Freeze using your ice cream maker’s directions, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.

Enjoy! Even those who don’t like green tea often like this flavorful ice cream, so don’t be afraid to try it out.