Bangkok Peanut Ice Cream

Now that's it's getting cold, it's time to start making ice cream that's hot. That's right, you heard me. Hot ice cream. Spicy, savory, sweet ice cream, with initial hints of peanut butter and toasted coconut followed by a kick of cayenne- it's like a party in your mouth. Thanks again, Jeni.

{Bangkok Peanut Ice Cream}

Makes about 1 quart

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

2/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions:

First, toast the coconut. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut out on a baking sheet and toast in oven, stirring and turning every few minutes, until it is evenly lightly browned. Keep an eye on it, coconut burns quickly. Mine took about 7 minutes. Set aside to let cool.

Now for the Ice Cream.

This peanut butter ice cream pops with flecks of cayenne and coconut. Wow.

Mix 2 tablespoons of the whole milk with the cornstarch is a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the cream cheese peanut butter and salt.

In a large 4-quart sauce pan, combine the rest of the milk, the cream, coconut milk, sugar, corn syrup and honey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the cornstarch/milk mixture. Then bring back to a boil for 1 minute, stirring often.

Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the peanut butter mixture. Whisk in the coconut and cayenne. Put ice cream batter into a plastic bag and chill in an ice bath until cold, about 30 minutes. Then freeze according to ice cream maker instructions. When it's done, pack into a storage container, cover with wax or parchment paper and chill in the freezer for at least 4 hours.

This ice cream will literally knock your socks off. I'm really, really excited about this one! It's cold and delicious, with a hot kick at the end. This is delicious by itself, or take it to the next level with toasted coconut, peanuts and chocolate sauce. Eat and be warmed!