Olive Oil Gelato with Cocoa Nibs

olive oil gelato

I've had this recipe from food52 in my "fun things to make in the summertime" folder since it was posted in April. You should probably put it in your folder too because, you guys, this is the creamiest, silkiest, most perfectly scoopable frozen dessert that my little ice cream machine ever did make. I tossed in a few tablespoons of cocoa nibs during the last minute of churning for a little chocolaty crunch and they were the perfect match for the fruity oil. I imagine it would taste mighty fine with some fat, sweet cherries on top too. 

Olive Oil Gelato with Cocoa Nibs
adapted from food52
yield, about 2 cups

3/4c sugar
1/4c plus 2 tablespoons water
3/4c whole milk
Large pinch salt
4 egg yolks
1/4c good, but mild olive oil
2T cocoa nibs

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, milk, and salt. Heat on medium until small bubbles form around the edge of the pan. While the mixture heats on the stove, place the egg yolks in a medium bowl and whisk until frothy.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and while whisking, slowly stream the milk mixture into the egg yolks. Return the mixture to the pan and slowly heat, stirring often, until the mixture reads 185 on an instant read thermometer. 
3. Immediately pour the custard into a bowl and cool over a water bath. Refrigerate until completely cool, a few hours or overnight. 
4. When you are ready to churn your gelato, remove the custard from the refrigerator and slowly whisk in the olive oil. The mixture will thicken and turn glossy.
5. Churn according to your machine's specifications and just before it is finished, add the cocoa nibs. Freeze until firm.

Rhubarb Syrup, Rhubarb Soda, and a Rhubarb Mule

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As soon as rhubarb season rolls in I like to have a bottle of this shocking pink syrup on hand for all sorts of delicious cocktails and spritzers. It's dead easy to make and if someone invites you to a dinner party or barbecue this spring you can bring the makings to impress your friends with a refreshing drink instead of a boring six-pack of beer. My favorite way to enjoy it is over ice with a big slice of fresh ginger (surprise, surprise) and a splash of seltzer, but it's also a great addition to crisp white wine or in a moscow mule style cocktail with vodka and some citrus. I know when temps get into the high 90s later this week I will be parked firmly in front of my air conditioner with a pretty pink drink in one hand and a scoop of passionfruit sorbet in the other.


Rhubarb Syrup

makes about 2 cups

1 lb rhubarb, chopped
1c sugar
1c water

1. Simmer the rhubarb, sugar and water in a non reactive saucepan until the rhubarb is soft and a bit mushy, about 15 min.
2. Pour the whole mess into a strainer (lined with cheesecloth if you have it) set over a bowl with a spout or measuring cup, for easy pouring. Let the syrup slowly strain undisturbed then pour into a jar or bottle and store in the fridge.

Make sure to keep the pulp! I like eating it on top of yogurt or you can blend it, call it rhubarb sauce and eat it on its own.

Rhubarb Soda
1 part rhubarb syrup
3 parts seltzer

Stir together and serve over ice, add a sprig of mint or a squeeze of citrus for a little extra punch.

Rhubarb Mule

not the kind you can ride, the kind you can drink

2 oz chilled vodka
2T rhubarb syrup
squeeze of lime or lemon
4-6 oz ginger beer
sliced fresh ginger to garnish

Fill a glass with ice, squeeze a wedge of lemon or lime onto the glass, then add the vodka and rhubarb syrup, top with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of fresh ginger. Prepare to be refreshed all spring long. 

I have a sneaking suspicion that this syrup would also be great with something a little bitter, maybe aperol? Try it and let me know!