Five Herb Ice Milk

I made Five Herb Ice Milk with the gift of herbs from the bee man who sells his products at Whistlestop Bookshop. His Lancaster, PA company is Dutch Gold Honey. The mim was given mint, basil and parsley. I added chocolate mint and lavendar. Here is the recipe from Epicurious on the recommendation from Sidewalk Shoes' blog:

For ice milk

• 4 2/3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 (3- to 4-inch) fresh lemon balm sprigs
• 2 (3- to 4-inch) fresh basil sprigs
• 2 (3- to 4-inch) fresh tarragon sprigs
• 2 (3- to 4-inch) fresh mint sprigs
• 2 (3- to 4-inch) fresh lavender sprigs
• 4 large egg yolks

• Special equipment: a candy or instant-read thermometer; an ice cream maker

Whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan. Add herb sprigs and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Gently boil, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

Lightly beat yolks in a large bowl. Pour hot milk mixture through a sieve into a large glass measure, pressing gently on sprigs before discarding, then gradually add to yolks, whisking until combined.

Cook mixture in saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick enough to coat back of spoon and registers 170 to 175°F on thermometer, 3 to 5 minutes (do not let boil).

Pour custard through cleaned sieve into a clean bowl and cool completely, its surface covered with wax paper. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours.

Freeze custard in ice cream maker. Transfer ice milk to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.

Cooks' note: The lavendar was too strong. Think it would be better to use just the chocolate mint. Ice milk keeps 3 days.