Rum, Date and Pecan Ice Cream

In 1984 President Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day as stated by the International Dairy Foods Association.  Hmmm, a day and a month dedicated to this scrumptious dessert that is consumed by 90% of the population of the United States.  In Reagan's proclamation he called for all people to observe these two events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."  What could be a better activity than blog hop Ice Cream Socials sharing multitudes of recipes!  Suzy at Kitchen Bouquet is having an Ice Cream Social today and La at A Musing Potpourri is having one tomorrow!

When I read about President Reagan's designation I decided to do a little researching and learned that ice cream was popular with many of the nation's presidents.  It is noted that in the summer of 1790 President George Washington spent $200 for ice cream.  In 1813, at President James Madison's second inaugural banquet Dolly served a strawberry ice cream creation to guests.

President Thomas Jefferson's handwritten recipe for Ice Cream is among the many recipes at the Library of Congress.


As I tried to decipher his recipe I noticed that it is only a mixture of three ingredients:  cream, sugar and egg yolks.  I don't find a reference for the addition of vanilla.

Those three ingredients are the primary players in today's Date, Rum and Pecan Ice Cream.  I had an opportunity to sample a date shake recently and the wonderful flavor was fresh in my mind when I saw a recipe in The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz for Date, Rum and Pecan Ice Cream.  I have had great success with David's recipes so, why not give it a try?  Yum!


I went to California Fruit Depot a local fruit and nut stand to get some dates.  There were so many varieties available that I had no idea which would be the best in ice cream.  It was recommended that I use the "crown jewel of dates", the medjool dates.   They are larger than most varieties, have more meat and are sweeter.  I also learned that dates are to be stored in the freezer and that freezing them makes it easier to pit them.  They do not freeze solid due to the sugar content...they were lovely when I pulled from the freezer....delicious, too.




Date, Rum, and Pecan Ice Cream

adapted from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz


Yield:  about 1 1/4 quarts


Ingredients:

12 dates (4 ounces, 115 g) pitted
1/4 cup (60 ml) dark rum (I used Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum)

1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
2/3 cup (130 g) sugar
Big pinch of salt
1 1/4 cups (310 ml) heavy cream
6 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons dark rum (I used Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum)
1 cup Pecans, toasted

Preparation:

To prepare the dates, chop them into 1/2 -inch pieces. Combine the date pieces with the rum in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir. Cover and let macerate at room temperature for at least 4 hours (this can be done up to 1 day ahead).

To make the ice cream, warm the milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Pour the cream into a large bowl and set a mesh strainer on top.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warm egg yolks back into the saucepan.

Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula. Pour the custard through the strainer and stir it into the cream. Mix in the vanilla and rum, then stir until cool over an ice bath.

Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. During the last few minutes of churning, add the nuts and date pieces.


PRINTABLE RECIPE


I don't know how to describe the ice cream...it was smooth, sweet, and delicious!  The rum didn't over-power the dessert.  It couldn't have been better.  We shared with our neighbors and they agreed....delicious!

Comments

  1. The ice cream sounds great, love the flavor of rum! I have to chuckle at President Lincoln's recipe, I guess Ina isn't the only one calling for "good" ingredients:@)

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  2. Wow! In 1790, $200 was a lot of money and I suspect it bought a LOT of ice cream!

    I never thought of adding dates to ice cream and pecans are one of my favorite nuts.

    Thanks so much for linking up today. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. La

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  3. Oh my! That sounds out of this world yummy.

    You did really well deciphering President Jefferson's recipe...school teacher perhaps?

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  4. What a great recipe, such good flavors in there! Looks fantastic, would love the bits of date and pecans!

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  5. Kate, That sounds excellent! Loved seeing President Jefferson's recipe too - that was fun.
    Beth

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  6. I loved how he said it should be good cream! This looks so nummy. I told my husband that we should try it. Pecans, rums, and dates...oh my! Joni

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  7. Loved the little history. I had seen the Thomas Jefferson one before and was intrigued. I may just have to try a "vintage" recipe next year for the social. Your Date, Rum & Pecan ice cream would be something I love. Thanks for the date tips! I never know the freezer would be a good place to keep them. I think the spiced rum substitution is a great one. Thanks so much for coming to the social again this year!

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  8. I am totally saving this recipe and using it as soon as I get the right icecream equipment! I just love the combination of dates and rum! Delicious!!

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  9. My downfall....ice cream. Any kind. :) Fun that you've used spiced rum rather than rum. Looks wonderful, Kate.

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  10. My husband loves rum raisin ice cream, I know he would really enjoy your recipe.

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  11. What a delicious recipe this is! I've wanted to get this cookbook! Thanks for sharing! Happy Ice Cream Day!!!

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  12. This ice cream looks lovely. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to try this one out when I'm making my next batch!

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