Lavender Ice Cream

Directions

1. 1
   In a small saucepan, heat half-and-half to 175°. Remove from the heat; add lavender. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain, discarding lavender.
2. 2
   Return to the heat; stir in sugar until dissolved. Whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches at least 160° and coats the back of a metal spoon.
3. 3
   Remove from the heat. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in whipping cream. Press waxed paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
4. 4
   Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer; freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. When ice cream is frozen, transfer to a freezer container; freeze for 2-4 hours before serving.