Stracciatella Gelato

Directions

1. 1Warm the milk and cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
2. 2Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
3. 3Slowly stream the hot milk into the yolks while whisking to temper, then return the mixture to the pan.
4. 4Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 165 to 175F and coats a spoon.
5. 5Stir in the vanilla, strain into a bowl, and cool completely over an ice bath.
6. 6Pour the cold custard into a Creami pint below the max line and freeze flat for 24 hours.
7. 7Spin on the GELATO preset, Re-spinning with a splash of whole milk if it comes out crumbly.
8. 8Melt the chocolate chips, let cool slightly, then drizzle into a center well and run the Mix-In program to create chocolate ribbons.

Tips

• Freeze your pint completely flat and level in the coldest part of your freezer for 16-24 hours; this ensures even texture when you spin it in the Creami.
• If your gelato comes out crumbly or powdery after spinning, add a tablespoon of cold milk or cream and re-spin for a creamier result.
• Don't skip tempering the egg yolks with warm cream; this prevents scrambled eggs and gives you that smooth custard base the Creami needs.

Variations

• Skip the vanilla extract and add 2 tablespoons of coffee extract or strong espresso cooled to room temperature for stracciatella gelato's coffee cousin.
• Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla, then swirl in 3 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate before freezing for a deeper flavor.

FAQ

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

You can, but your gelato will be less creamy since half and half has less fat. Heavy cream gives you that rich, dense texture the Creami spins best. Stick with the original ratio for better results.

Why didn't my pint freeze solid after 24 hours?

Your freezer may not be cold enough, or the pint isn't sitting flat. Make sure it's on a flat surface in the coldest shelf, and aim for 16-24 hours minimum. If it's still soft, give it another 4-6 hours.

How long can I store the frozen pint before spinning?

The pint stays good frozen for up to 2 weeks. After you spin it, eat it right away for the best texture, or freeze scoops in an airtight container for a few days.

Can I make this lighter without eggs?

You'd lose the custard richness that makes stracciatella gelato special, but you could try a no-cook base with sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream instead. It won't be traditional, but it'll still spin into something creamy.

Nutrition

Per serving · makes about 2 servings · estimated