Lavender Ice Cream

As I scroll through social media, I often see celebrations of national holidays that I’ve never known about. Recently, I learned that we have two days and a full month devoted to ice cream. National Ice Cream Day is always the third Sunday in July, Ice Cream Day is December 13, and Ice Cream Month is all of July. This made me wonder two things: Does every day of the year have a National (fill in the blank), and do I have a lavender ice cream recipe?

First things first, yes, it looks like nearly every day there is something to celebrate, according to National Day Calendar.

Second, I’m sure I do have a lavender ice cream recipe in one of my lavender cookbooks, but today, for whatever reason, I turned to ChatGPT to ask for a recipe.

Then I pondered my pairing of lavender and artificial intelligence. The natural world and technology. Something tried and true, rooted in ancient times, and something brand new with uncertain impact.

How ChatGPT Put it into Words

Lavender represents a connection to nature, with its origins deeply rooted in ancient traditions and cultural practices. 

AI represents the cutting-edge advancements of modern technology. 

The juxtaposition of lavender and AI highlights the intersection of the natural and the artificial, where traditional practices meet technological innovation. It underscores the coexistence of age-old wisdom and the potential for new discoveries and capabilities through AI.

While lavender offers a connection to nature and the tangible world, AI presents us with new possibilities and tools to enhance our understanding, communication, and problem-solving abilities. The contrast between lavender and AI can spark discussions about finding a balance between embracing the natural world and leveraging the benefits of technological advancements in our modern lives.

I suppose it’s like most things, we keep our traditions, our routines that create balance and give us something to hold on to, while incorporating modern technology to help lighten our loads. I understand that AI is controversial, maybe even dangerous, some might argue. I’m old enough to remember when microwaves first came about. People were leery of a machine that could cook food so fast. Some families held off on getting a microwave, my family included. Now it would be odd to live without one.

Lavender is versatile and timeless, so moving on …

ChatGPT’s Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

Lavender ice cream is a delicious and unique flavor that combines the floral notes of lavender with the creaminess of ice cream. It is a popular choice among ice cream enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of dried culinary lavender buds (make sure they are food-grade and not treated with any chemicals)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and infuse the lavender flavor into the cream mixture.
2. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat and let it steep for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the lavender to infuse its flavor into the cream. The longer you steep, the stronger the lavender flavor will be. You can adjust the steeping time based on your preference.
3. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the lavender buds. Make sure to press down on the lavender buds to extract as much flavor as possible.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are well beaten. Slowly pour the strained cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5. Once the cream mixture and egg yolks are combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
8. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for a few hours or until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Words from Me

And there you have it! Creamy and aromatic lavender ice cream ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it in bowls, cones, or alongside other desserts for a delightful and refreshing treat.

On this warm summer day, this lavender ice cream is a perfect way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day and any other day.

Oh, and today is also National Chianti Day, National Food Bank Day, and National Forgiveness Day, in case you wanted to know. 😊

With love & lavender,