Jennifer Mclagans Simple Strawberry Ice Cream With Brandy Snaps Recipes

BRANDY SNAPS

Steps:

• For the brandy snaps: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. You'll need 2 wooden spoons with 3/4-inch-thick handles to roll the brandy snaps around. If the handles are too thin, tightly wrap foil around them until they are the right thickness.
• Combine the butter, granulated sugar, golden syrup and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium low, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved (it should never come to a simmer), about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly for 2 minutes, then sift the flour and ginger directly into the saucepan through a fine-mesh sieve. Stir until combined and a smooth, fluid paste.
• Place 5 to 6 separate heaping teaspoons at least 4 inches apart from each other on the prepared baking sheets. Gently spread each mound into an even 2-inch circle with the back of a spoon. Bake one sheet at a time for 6 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet and continue baking until caramel to toffee brown in color, 2 to 3 minutes. (If too pale, the brandy snaps will not get crisp enough.)
• Let cool briefly for about 2 minutes on the baking sheet until you can slide a small offset spatula underneath a brandy snap and lift it off (it should still be warm and flexible). Place on a cutting board rough-side down and roll around the wooden spoon handle, pressing down on the seam to seal. Working quickly, repeat with the remaining brandy snaps, alternating with the 2 wooden spoons and removing the rolled brandy snaps to a rack to cool completely. (If too stiff to roll, return the brandy snaps to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes until flexible again.)
• Bake and roll the brandy snaps on the second baking sheet, then continue the process of spooning, baking and rolling with the remaining batter, alternating the baking sheets.
• For the filling: When ready to serve, whip the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, brandy if using, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a piping bag or large resealable plastic bag. Cut the tip and pipe the whipped cream into the rolled brandy snaps. Serve within 2 hours.

JENNIFER MCLAGAN'S SIMPLE STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM WITH BRANDY SNAPS

Steps:

• For the ice cream: Puree the sliced berries, sugar, lemon juice and salt. Strain to remove seeds. Heat the heavy cream just to the boiling point and pour over the puree. Stir to combine, and chill overnight. Freeze the next day in an ice-cream machine, folding in the finely diced berries just at the end. Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.
• For the brandy snaps: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a baking sheet.
• Melt the butter, sugar and syrup together in a saucepan. When it starts to bubble, remove from the heat and beat in the brandy and flour.
• Using a teaspoon, place 6 spoonfuls, well apart from one another, on the baking sheet. Bake until flat and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool on the sheet just until they are firm enough to move, but still pliable (a matter of seconds). Shape over a rolling pin, or simply leave flat. Carry on with baking the second batch.
• Serve a grand spoonful of ice cream with a crispy brandy snap!