Strawberry Ice Cream

3 heaping cups strawberries

1/4 t salt

1/3 c sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 c half and half

1/2 c heavy cream

1 t vanilla extract

Puree the strawberries with the salt in a food processor or blender. There should be about 2 cups of puree. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the sugar into the eggs until thickened and pale yellow. Set aside.

Bring the half and half to a simmer in a heavy medium saucepan. Slowly beat the hot half and half into the eggs and sugar. Pour the entire mixture back into the pan and place over low heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until the custard thickens slightly. Be careful not to let the mixture boil or the eggs will scramble. Remove from the heat and pour the hot custard through a strainer into a large, clean bowl. Allow the custard to cool slightly, then stir in the strawberry puree, cream, and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until cold or overnight.

Stir the chilled custard, then freeze in 1 or 2 batches in your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. When finished, the ice cream will be soft but ready to eat. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze at least 2 hours.

Makes about 5 cups

Bruce Weinstein