Oatmeal Ice Cream

Directions

1. 1
   In a mixing bowl, beat the sugar into the egg yolks until thickened and pale yellow.
2. 2
   In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat; add in the oats, salt, and cinnamon.
3. 3
   Decrease heat and return the milk to a simmer; cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal is thick and creamy.
4. 4
   Slowly beat the hot oatmeal into the egg mixture.
5. 5
   Let the mixture cool slightly; stir in the cream.
6. 6
   Cover and refrigerate until cold or overnight.
7. 7
   Stir the chilled custard, then freeze in 1 or 2 batches in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions.
8. 8
   When finished, the ice cream will be soft but ready to eat; for firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for several hours.
9. 9
   *Oatmeal Banana Ice Cream: thinly slice 2 small bananas; toss with 2 tablespoons sugar; let the fruit macerate at least 2 hours; stir the fruit into the custard before freezing; proceed as directed.
10. 10
    *Oatmeal Berry Ice Cream: toss 1 cup fresh raspberries with 2 tablespoons sugar; let fruit macerate at least 2 hours; stir the fruit into the custard before freezing; proceed as directed.
11. 11
    *Oatmeal Crunch Ice Cream: add 1 cup crunchy granola to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen; allow the machine to mix in the granola; proceed as directed.
12. 12
    *Oatmeal Raisin Ice Cream: add 1 cup raisins to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen; allow the machine to mix in the raisins; proceed as directed.
13. 13
    *Oatmeal Spice Ice Cream: add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1/8 teaspoon ground mace along with the cinnamon; proceed as directed.