This custard ice cream is everything I've ever wanted in a Cleopatra inspired dessert. The sweet and salty rose water dream was designed for self love. When I presented this beauty I had everyone close their eyes and hold a body part you haven't spoken kindly to and offer it some care. This small gesture reminds us that each part of us has purpose and is worthy of love. If the flavors aren't calling you enough already, drop into the intention of this sweetie and give yourself the love you deserve.

I'd eat this any time of year. The rose feels cozy and the custard screams summer.

This recipe was inspired by my Cleopatra Bath Ritual. I wanted a course at my birthday dinner that embodied self love and worship and what better than a loads of cream, pistachio, and roses?

Ingredients

Use a clear shot of the ingredients for this recipe, prepped, and labeled if necessary. Add a paragraph of content describing why these ingredients were chosen. Insert the ingredients into the list below, omitting quantities.

1 cup whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
¾ cup Honey and/or dandelion honey
pinch salt
5 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½- T Rose water (¼ T may be better)
½ chopped salted pistachios (I caramelized them with salt flakes and honey)
1 rose, clean petals, freeze, then crunched

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk 5 egg yolks

Step 2: combine the milk, cream, sugar, and salt in a sauce pan. Stir to dissolve sugar. Don't boil

Step 3: Pour a little of the warmed milk mix int other egg yolks, whisking constantly. Return back to pan.

Step 4: Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. It should read about 170°F. Stir in rose water and vanilla extract.

5. Pour mix into a bowl and refridgerate until cold.

6. Start Ice cream maker and pour in liquid*.

7. Once ice cream starts to form add in pistachios and crushed rose petals.

8.Cover and freeze until read to serve.

Hint: Run ice cream maker longer than you think, so the liquid has time to form a firmer texture.

Substitutions + Variations

If you're nervous about the rose water? Add ½ the recommended amount and then taste test. Rose extract packs a punch with the tiniest amount.

Also, feel free to sub

Vanilla
Almond

Keep the rose petals though. This custard is still a beautiful Cleopatra treat and worship worthy.

Equipment

Equiptment you'll need:

Ice cream Maker (I'm using a Kitchen Aid Ice Cream maker
Thermometer
Mixing bowl
Container for ice cream

Storage

Store in air tight container in the freezer for up to a month.

Top Tip

If putting roses in your ice cream, make sure they are food safe. Often roses found in floral shops are dipped in formaldehyde and pesticides. I asked my neighbors for these, but you can find food safe options out there too.

If using a kitchen aid mixer-turn the bowl on and add then add the custard. this prevents the cream freezing to the bowl before it's started turning.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

Sam Wangberg