Are you ready to transport your taste buds to a land of sweet, crunchy, and creamy perfection? Then get ready to make your own homemade Hokey Pokey ice cream! This classic New Zealand treat combines the smooth richness of vanilla ice cream with the irresistible crunch of honeycomb candy. Forget those store-bought tubs – this recipe is surprisingly easy, offering a delicious and rewarding homemade cooking experience perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice exploring easy recipes.
Ingredients:
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For the Honeycomb:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
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For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
Instructions:
Making the Honeycomb:
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Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
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Simmer and Don't Stir: Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring. Let the mixture simmer until it reaches a light amber color (around 300°F on a candy thermometer). This is crucial for the honeycomb's texture.
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Add Baking Soda: Carefully remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up dramatically – be prepared!
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Pour and Cool: Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly before it cools and hardens.
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Cool Completely: Allow the honeycomb to cool completely before breaking it into small pieces.
Making the Ice Cream:
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Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
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Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them and prevent scrambling.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 170-175°F).
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Chill Completely: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
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Churn the Ice Cream: Churn the chilled custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. During the last few minutes of churning, add the crushed honeycomb pieces.
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Freeze and Enjoy: Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to harden completely. Enjoy your homemade Hokey Pokey ice cream!
Tips and Variations:
- Honeycomb Texture: For a finer honeycomb, use less baking soda. For a coarser texture, use more.
- Flavour Variations: Add other extracts like peppermint or caramel to the ice cream base for a unique twist.
- Nut additions: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add another layer of texture and flavour.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk for a vegan version. You'll need to experiment with a vegan egg yolk substitute for the custard base.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator app and input your specific ingredients and quantities. However, expect a relatively high calorie, fat, and sugar content, as is typical for ice cream.
This delicious homemade Hokey Pokey ice cream is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a delightful recipe that's easy to master. Enjoy the process and the amazing result!