Ginger Ice Cream

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl lightly whisk yolks.
2. 2
   In a 3-quart heavy saucepan cook sugar, fresh gingerroot, and water over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
3. 3
   Add half-and-half and bring to a simmer.
4. 4
   Add hot half-and-half mixture to yolks in a slow stream, whisking, and pour into pan.
5. 5
   Cook custard over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until a thermometer registers 170F.
6. 6
   (Do not let boil.)
7. 7
   Pour custard through a sieve into cleaned bowl and stir in cream and vanilla.
8. 8
   Cool custard.
9. 9
   Chill custard, its surface covered with plastic wrap, until cold, at least 3 hours, and up to 1 day.
10. 10
    Finely chop crystallized ginger.
11. 11
    Freeze custard in an ice-cream maker, adding crystallized ginger three fourths of way through freezing process.
12. 12
    Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.
13. 13
    Ice cream may be made 1 week ahead.