I was in the Crate and Barrel outlet store in Berkeley the other weekend and found this book
I had not heard of Shona Poole’s book before but it’s a pretty little creation with some interesting, offbeat recipes. (Gooseberry and elderflower sorbet? It’s next on my list to try – as soon as I can find gooseberries and elderflowers!) I chose to make an ice cream with some more readily available ingredients when the mood struck on a warm weekend afternoon.
I realized that I could have submitted Burnt Honey and Cinnamon ice cream as an entry for Sam’s Sugar Low Friday when I saw the recipe. Simplicity itself: honey, cinnamon, and yogurt! The result does taste very strongly of honey, so I imagine that would be the most critical ingredient choice. All I had in my pantry at time was a basic clover honey, so not much deliberation for me! The recipe involves heating the honey until it boils and just begins to burn (not too long or the honey will turn bitter) and then add a bit of water to stop the burning process; I ended up with a caramely, intense honey flavor. In the future I might try a lighter, more subtle honey, remembering that burning anything just strengthens the flavor!
The recipe uses yogurt as a base, so you don’t even need to make a custard. You pour the cooled honey syrup and cinnamon into the yogurt, put it in the ice cream machine, and away you go! About half an hour later I found smooth rich ice cream in my machine!
The flavor is surprisingly intense, given the pale, unprepossessing appearance of the result. The honey and cinnamon really complement each other well – I sprinkled a bit more cinnamon on top for the photo but it really isn’t necessary.
As a footnote, I took the photo in a rush this morning before work – I think it turned out all right but if you look closely you’ll notice my reflection accidentally captured in the spoon!
Anita Chu, also known as pastrygirl, is a baker, writer, and photographer with a passion for pastry. She trained at Tante Marie's Cooking School and is the author of Field Guide to Cookies, Field Guide to Candy, and Lollipop Love. Anita lives in San Francisco with her husband, daughter, and dog Max. 
Interesting flavours! I cannot wait to start making sorbets again! 😉
I would love to try this ice cream!
Hi Bea,
You definitely should, especially if you have a honey you are fond of! It’s so simple and I think the flavor improves over a few days:)
This sounds so good! I recently got an ice cream maker so I will have to give it a go. Thanks.