Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

ingredients

• 1 cup packed fresh lemon verbena sprigs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
•  ,
• Equipment: an ice cream maker

directions

Bring verbena, milk, cream, and 1 dash salt to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, then remove from heat and let steep, covered, 30 minutes.

Whisk together eggs and sugar until combined, then whisk in verbena mixture. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard thickens slightly and registers 175 degrees on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil).

Immediately strain thourough a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on and then discarding solids. Cool custard, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes, then chill, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.

Freeze custard in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, about 1 hour.

Cooks' notes:

Custard can be chilled up to 24 hours.

Ice cream keeps 1 week.