Simple and Basic Vanilla Ice Cream

Printed in my ice cream maker manual. Posting the recipe here because I needed easier access to it. If desired, use vanilla pod if you like those little black specks in your ice cream. I use vanilla pod for extra special occasions only-it being very expensive.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 1 quart

Ingredients

• 4  egg yolks
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 1  cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  cup heavy cream
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Beat egg yolks and sugar until blended.
2. Pour the mixture into a double boiler. (Or use a heatproof bowl place over a pan of simmering water.).
3. Over low heat, pour the half and half into the pan; stir until it starts to thicken. Take off heat and stir in the butter.
4. While cooling, stir the mixture occasionally until it is to room temperature.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
6. Place in a container with a lid and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
7. Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and process according to your owner's manual.
8. Preparation time does not include chilling, freezing or churning.