Peanut Butter and Fig Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 20 m Beginner
This sophisticated pairing reflects Creole culinary innovation - taking humble peanut butter and elevating it with the refined sweetness of fresh figs. Louisiana’s Creole cooks were masters at combining different cultural influences, creating unexpected but harmonious flavor combinations. The contrast between the earthy richness of peanut butter and the delicate florals of fresh figs represents the essence of Creole cuisine - familiar comfort elevated to elegant sophistication.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp real sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp fig preserves
  • 1/3 cup fresh figs, diced (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend and xanthan gum in a pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake (or whole milk) with peanut butter, fig preserves, and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
  3. Pour blended mixture into the container with the sweetener and xanthan gum, then mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  4. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  5. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting in your ice cream maker. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  6. Mix-in diced fresh figs during final processing for texture contrast.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why isn't my ice cream churning properly?

A: Make sure the mixture is completely frozen solid (24 hours minimum). If it's too soft, it won't process correctly. Also, if your mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid and re-spin.

Q: Can I skip the xanthan gum?

A: The xanthan gum helps prevent ice crystals and gives a smoother texture, especially when using protein shakes or lower-fat bases. You can skip it, but the texture won't be as creamy.

Tips and Techniques

Choose ripe but firm figs for the mix-in - they’ll hold their shape better and give you beautiful bursts of sweetness!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • fig preserves: strawberry or blackberry preserves
  • fresh figs: dried figs (rehydrated and chopped)
  • natural peanut butter: almond butter or cashew butter
  • protein shake or whole milk: half-and-half or coconut milk

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting
  • Blender
  • Pint container for freezing

Historical Context

This sophisticated pairing reflects Creole culinary innovation - taking humble peanut butter and elevating it with the refined sweetness of fresh figs. Louisiana’s Creole cooks were masters at combining different cultural influences, creating unexpected but harmonious flavor combinations. The contrast between the earthy richness of peanut butter and the delicate florals of fresh figs represents the essence of Creole cuisine.