Tea Flavored Ice Cream!

We welcomed Mike and Deb Raab of Tea-for-All to the tea room yesterday for a class about making tea-infused ice cream. This dynamic duo demonstrated the four step process for making a French style ice cream which includes preparing the tea-infusion, custard preparation, freezing, and enjoying!

The tea infusion is approximately 1/4 c. of loose leaf tea steeped overnight in milk to pull the flavors of the tea. When ready to make the ice cream, strain the milk and follow your favorite recipe, using the infused milk in addition to eggs, heavy cream and sugar. While the Breville Ice Cream Maker whirred softly in the background, processing and freezing the ice cream that we just watched Mike make, Deb served forth some pre-made tea infused ice cream.

We sampled four types of delicious and flavorful ice cream. The soft tan color let you know there was something unique about this ice cream. There was a Lemon Souffle which is actually a base of rooibos and honeybush tisanes. This was the all around favorite flavor. In addition we sampled Chai Masala, a smooth spicy ice cream and Cordially Yours, a chocolate cherry flavored tea ice cream to which Mike added miniature chocolate chips. Once the ice cream maker finished its work, we sampled Lavender Earl Grey with blueberries. Yum!

In addition, assorted toppings were offered that included toasted coconut, toasted sliced almonds, and a crunchy almond brickle. They were fun additions to an already tasty and unique variation on ice cream. 

Deb and Mike, Specialty Tea Institute mentors will be back in the tea room in August to present the Foundations of Tea, Level 1 and Level 2 classes offered by STI. If you are looking to advance your knowledge of tea, these classes are highly recommended.