Blueberries and Cream Ice Cream

Recipe from Williams-Sonoma Collection Series, Ice Cream, by Mary Goodbody and Husband-
Tested in Alice's Kitchen
Makes about 1 quart

Blueberries are in season from late spring until the end of the summer, they are a delicious treat when warm weather arrives. Like all berries, blueberries freeze beautifully, so if you cannot find fresh ones, use frozen. We have several blueberry bushes in our garden that my husband treats like precious children. I almost have to put him in a head lock before he'll share any with anyone, even me, but I was able to secure 2 cups for this creamy berry ice cream. I found this recipe in an inspiring cookbook that my parents gave me. The color of this ice cream is just gorgeous! It's so easy to make. We made quick work of eating this dessert! Locally grown blueberries can be found in season at Lost River Market & Deli and also at the Orange County HomeGrown Farmers Market.

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries (see Note)
3/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

Directions:
In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the fresh blueberries, water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes to steep.

Transfer the blueberry mixture to a food processor and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

Add the cream and lemon juice to the blueberry puree and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days, before serving. Garnish with a few fresh blueberries, if desired.

Note: If using frozen blueberries, make the sugar syrup by combining the water and sugar in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, and cooking it until clear, about 1 minute. Put the frozen blueberries in a heatproof bowl and pour the syrup over them. Let cool and then transfer to the food processor. Proceed with the recipe.