For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with two things: exceptional coffee and the creamy, comforting embrace of ice cream. And when the two collide? Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Of course, being a Buff Boy and the foodie of the group, I'm forever experimenting with ways to incorporate our coffees into recipes. I think I've done it with this one. Correction: I HAVE done it with this one!
Here's how I perfected mint coffee Buff'ed ice cream.
The star of the show, of course, is Buff Boy Brewing's mint-flavored coffee. Its aroma alone is intoxicating – a vibrant mix of coffee's deep richness interwoven with the invigorating coolness of mint. This coffee isn’t just flavoured; it's expertly crafted, allowing the mint notes to complement the coffee's character, rather than overwhelm it. This subtle balance is crucial for a truly delicious ice cream.
Here's what you'll need to make this ice cream:
Ingredients:
1 cup Buff Boy Brewing mint-flavoured coffee, brewed strong (I usually brew it double strength for this!)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference. I sometimes add a touch more)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but I highly recommend it)
Fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish and an extra burst of flavor)
Equipment:
Ice cream maker
A saucepan
A whisk
A measuring cup and spoons
A container for freezing
The Process:
Brew and Chill: The first step is to brew your coffee. Allow it to cool completely. This is crucial! Warm coffee will melt your ice cream mixture, leading to a soupy disaster. Pop the coffee into the refrigerator to chill while you gather the other ingredients.
Combine and Heat: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Stir and Dissolve: This is where the patience comes in. Gently heat the mixture, stirring constantly with your whisk. The goal is to dissolve the sugar completely. You want to see the sugar incorporated, but don't boil the mixture. We're aiming for a gentle simmer here.
Infusion and Cooling: Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the cooled mint-flavoured coffee and the optional vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Now, this is where another crucial step comes in: you need to let this mixture cool completely. You can do this by transferring it to a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the liquid to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerating it for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the flavours to meld and intensifies the overall taste.
Churning Magic: Once the mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions. The churning process is where the magic happens, transforming the liquid into a creamy, scoopable delight! Depending on your ice cream maker, this will take approximately 20-30 minutes.
The Final Freeze: When the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and place it in the freezer for at least four hours, or ideally overnight, to allow it to harden completely.
Serve and Savor: Once the ice cream is frozen, it's time to indulge. Scoop it into bowls, garnish with fresh, chopped mint leaves (if you’re feeling fancy!), and savor the delicious experience.
My Pro-Tips for Perfection:
Use High-Quality Ingredients: This is a simple recipe, so the quality of your ingredients matters. Spring for good quality heavy cream and whole milk. And, of course, Buff's mint-flavored coffee!
Chill, Chill, Chill: Don't rush the chilling process. Allowing the mixture to cool completely before churning is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
Taste as You Go: Before you start churning, taste your ice cream base. Adjust the sugar if needed.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add chocolate chips, cocoa nibs or a swirl of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
With summer officially here, you can still enjoy Buff coffee as a refreshing treat even on the hottest days.