Cantaloupe ice cream
I didn’t think I liked cantaloupe.
I know, I know, how can this be? Texas is famous for its cantaloupes, especially Pecos cantaloupes, which hail from this West Texas town situated between Odessa and El Paso.
The soil around Pecos is salty and sandy. And even though cantaloupes aren’t native to Texas, in the early 1900’s farmers started planting them there and they realized that special soil produced especially juicy and sweet fruit. A Texan fruit star was born.
Pecos cantaloupe is in season right now and while they don’t often travel outside the border if you do get your hands on one you’re in for a treat. For a few years, Blue Bell even produced a limited-edition flavor in the late summer called Pecos Cantaloupe ‘N Cream. It hasn’t been made for the past two years, however, and this has made people sad.
When I first learned about the flavor, however, I shrugged. Cantaloupe had not been something I’d eaten for quite a while as one I had eaten made my mouth tingle and my lips swell; I assumed I was allergic.
My grandparents, however, used to grow these melons. And when I was in college they’d drive up to Sherman and share them with my friends and me. “I don’t like cantaloupe,” I said when my grandma recently told me her memories of these late-summer deliveries. “Yes you do,” said my grandma, “And you said that our cantaloupes were awesome.”
Having been reminded that there was a time in my life when I did eat cantaloupe and intrigued by the notion of a cantaloupe ice cream, I recently tried the fruit again. Now I can’t get Texas cantaloupe here in New York, but the one I did eat was juicy, sweet and creamy. I was again hooked.
During the final days of summer, melons are such a gift. Is there anything more satisfying then biting into a juicy wedge on a sultry day? You almost don’t need to do a thing to them, though a batch of cantaloupe ice cream is definitely a refreshing, luxurious dessert
I make my cantaloupe ice cream smooth, with a touch of lime juice, ginger and salt to bring out its delicate flavor. Though if you prefer some chunks of fruit in your ice cream you can easily change this recipe to accommodate that.
And yes, I’m happy that I’m eating cantaloupes again. Now I just need to get my hands on some Pecos cantaloupes, so I can have the best of the best.
Cantaloupe ice cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced ripe cantaloupe
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the cantaloupe with 1/2 cup half-and-half.
- In a pot, cook the cantaloupe puree with the cream and remaining half-and-half on medium heat until warm—do not let it come to a boil. Turn off the heat.
- Beat the eggs with the sugar, vanilla, lime juice, ginger and salt. Stir into the eggs 1/2 cup of the warm liquid and then pour egg and cream mixture into the pot.
- On medium low, heat this mixture while stirring occasionally for five minutes or until it gets slightly thick. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of your spoon. Cool in the refrigerator for four hours.
- Freeze and churn according to your ice-cream maker’s instructions.
Amy's Ice Cream had cantaloupe ice cream when my husband went there to escape the dreadful Austin heat this week. He mixed strawberries in with the ice cream and said it was the best mix he's ever had.
I have only eaten canteloupe fresh, with salt. But a few years ago I picked up a cilantro bunch and there was recipe for canteloupe salsa. I was skeptical, but tried it and really like it. Have never had it with or as ice cream. May have to give it a try this weekend. Thanks.
Linda
one of the main reasons so few are grown now is there is not enough people to pick them. Migrant workers used to come to town every summer to pick cantaloupes (and other crops) but they don't come any more due to lack of housing. There is one packing house open this summer so some are going out but I'm not sure to where. A friend from Victoria found some at HEB this week.
I made the peach buttermilk which was awesome and want to give this one a shot.
My last batch turned out kind of hard and grainy after it spent the night in the freezer. I've heard there are some things at the health store that smooth it out, that you can put a little vodka in your mix, more sugar, etc. Any tips or have you had that problem? Thanks for your help!
OMG that sounds soooooo good!