Chocolate grits ice cream

Step 1

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly with a whisk for about 30 seconds. Add the cocoa, sugar and 2 tablespoons of the milk and beat for a further 3 minutes, until thickened and dark, glossy brown in colour.

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat 360ml single cream and double cream over medium-low heat until a sugar thermometer registers 65C. (You may see steam rising from the pan, but the cream should not start to boil.)

Step 3

With a sharp knife, slice the vanilla pod lengthwise, scrape the tiny black seeds into the single cream and add the vanilla pod to the pan. Add the grits and continue to cook, stirring occasionally and maintaining the temperature around 65C, until the grits swell and the mixture thickens to the consistency of a thin porridge. This will take about 10-20 minutes, depending on the freshness of the grits and the coarseness of the grind. Remove the vanilla pod and discard.

Step 4

Whisk 240ml of the cream and grits mixture slowly into the cocoa mixture, stirring constantly until the liquids are thoroughly incorporated. Add the chopped chocolate to the grits mixture remaining in the saucepan and stir until it dissolves, 2-3 minutes. Stir the cocoa mixture into the grits and chocolate mixture and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until the custard thickens to the texture of a thick, liquid pudding, 8-12 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and transfer to a container. Press clingfilm onto the surface of the custard and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, until the custard is very cold.

Step 5

Pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, until the ice cream becomes very thick and holds its shape. Quickly transfer the ice cream to a container with a tight-fitting lid. If there is any space between the surface of the ice cream and the lid, pat a sheet of clingfilm on the surface. Cover the container.

Step 6

Freeze the ice cream until it has hardened, at least 2 hours. Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving and remove the clingfilm.

Step 7

Serve small scoops of ice cream in bowls and garnish with shaved chocolate or, for fun, a pinch of dry, raw grits.

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