Maple-Walnut Ice Cream
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When I think of maple, the first thing to come to mind is maple fudge, which is immediately followed by the episode of Friends when Ross ends up at a hotel in Vermont, eats his weight in maple candy and then goes bonkers on a sugar high. There are so many fabulous ways to infuse maple into both savory and sweet foods, and one of the things that has been on the top of my list for a long time is maple-walnut ice cream. I’ll be honest, though. When I first checked out this recipe, I had visions of Buddy the Elf pouring maple syrup all over his spaghetti. It seemed like a lot of syrup, and I worried that the ice cream would be sickeningly sweet. I was pleasantly surprised when the ice cream finished churning and I took my first spoonful. The flavors were completely balanced; the maple definitely came through, but wasn’t overpowering or too sweet. I breathed a sigh of relief then proceeded to take way more than my fair share of taste tests.
I love the subtle, sweet flavor of the ice cream paired with the crunchy, maple-glazed pecans. The flavor of the ice cream is very similar to that of butter pecan, so if you like sweetened ice cream with a bit of a caramel-nutty undertone, you will do back flips for this one. It might be getting chilly outside, but it’s never too cold for a bowl of ice cream. Ross would have devoured it in Vermont, and Buddy the Elf would certainly eat it while building snowmen on the North Pole! 
Two years ago: Garlic Knots
Three years ago: Marshmallow Crunch Brownie Bars
Four years ago: Lavash Crackers
Maple-Walnut Ice Cream
Yield: 1 quart
Prep Time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes (churn time)
Total Time: 12 hours
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Custard:
1½ cups whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1½ cups heavy cream
5 egg yolks
¾ cup maple syrup
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch kosher saltFor the Maple-Glazed Walnuts:
½ cup maple syrup
1½ cups walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
Pinch saltDirections:
1. Make the Ice Cream Custard: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk and sugar, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Meanwhile, pour the heavy cream into a large bowl and set a mesh strainer on top.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Then, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
3. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat with a heatproof spatula, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan occasionally. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spatula (if you're using an instant-read digital thermometer, the mixture should be between 170 and 175 degrees F). Pour the custard through the mesh strainer and stir it into the cream. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt; stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally (you can speed up the process by placing the bowl in an ice bath), then cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
4. Make the Maple-Glazed Walnuts: Heat the maple syrup in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat until it just begins to come to a full boil. Add the walnuts, stir to coat them, then allow the mixture to cook until it again comes to a full boil. Once it reaches a full boil, stir for 10 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool completely (the walnuts will still feel wet and sticky when cool).
5. Churn the Ice Cream: Freeze the custard mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Add the maple-glazed walnuts during the last few minutes of churning. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer.
(Recipe adapted from The Perfect Scoop)
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I need an ice cream maker so I can enjoy this deliciousness! My favorite store-bought ice cream (well, one of them) is maple pecan so I know I’d love this
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This is the epitome of an Autumn ice cream. We used to make this gelato flavor at our ice cream stand, haven’t had it in years. And the glazed walnuts we used to call “wet walnuts,” but I think glazed sounds way better, LOL.
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This looks great! I would die for a waffle smothered in this!!!! Such a nice flavour combo!
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I was just saying the other day that I need to make a new batch of ice cream soon! This is one of my husband’s favourite kinds too! Yum!
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Oh boy…one of my fav’s!!
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Butter Pecan is my favorite ice cream so this sounds right up my alley. I think I need to buy an ice cream maker.
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HA! I love that Friends episode!! I would go crazy over this ice cream- my extended family is all from upstate NY, and we’re obsessed with real maple syrup. I’m also obsessed with making my own ice cream, so I think it’s a match made in heaven
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This sounds fabulous! Big bowl of these ice cream, this episode of Friends and I’m set
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I loooove pralines, I know they’re usually made with pecans but my parents have a walnut tree, so all our sweets had walnuts instead of pecans when I was growing up
Soo, this to me sounds so delightful!
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It looks so nice but it is too late for ice cream and me! I’ve jut survived 38 degrees temperature and I don’t want to risk anymore!But great recipe for the next summer
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This is my favorite ice cream flavor! I’ll definitely make it this weekend!
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My mouth is watering at the thought of this. Such a great combo of flavors. I love maple syrup but have never had it in ice cream before.
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I had some maple ice cream when I was in Vermont – Amazing! I can’t wait to make some at home!
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Swoon. I LOOOOOVE maple walnut ice cream, but have never made it at home. I can’t wait to try this. <3
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Mmm, this looks and sounds fantastic!
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Haha, I love the random Friends reference. Best show ever.
This ice cream looks delicious – I love maple flavored foods!
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I need to get myself an Ice cream machine asap. This looks mouth watering, its like pancakes in liquid form. yum!
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Love the FRIENDS reference. Never gets’ old
And this dessert?!? Oh my. I would only say this:
Want. Need. Love.
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Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy… delicious!
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I have been on a total maple kick recently and can’t get enough of it. I made some maple gelato last week. Love maple in ice cream!!
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Looks fantastic! I need to clear some room in my freezer so I can make this. Thank you SO much!!
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I’m sure it’s something with your Web site revamp (like it!), but the recipe for this ice cream isn’t visible any more. I checked in both Firefox and Internet Explorer, so I’m thinking it’s not just an error on my end. Hoping you can repost it or e-mail me the recipe, so I can make this deliciousness!!! Thanks!
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Michelle on October 21st, 2012 at 12:43 am
Hi Kerry, That was a glitch, my apologies! The recipe should now appear above. Enjoy!
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Kerry on October 21st, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Thanks so much!! I’m making this today!!
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I grew up in the north country (what we call northern NY close to Canada) and it just so happens I visited home last week and picked up a half gallon of maple syrup. Maple walnut reminds me of childhood and I’ll be making this on Saturday!
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