Orange and Szechuan Pepper Ice Cream

Both Soupereasy and I are big fans of Szechuan pepper and are always looking for new ways to use it. So this recipe was first on our list to try when we decided on a day-long ice cream project.

We both really liked the sweet-slightly savory flavor of this ice cream, although I don't think it's for everyone (hence the 4 rather than five rating). While I might eat it as dessert, it's different enough that I probably would not use it for entertaining. On the other hand, it might be really nice with a fortune cookie after a Chinese dinner.

I might also consider trying a small scoop in a chilled red pepper soup and serving that as a first course. Guess I'll need to make another batch and experiment.

Very nice ice cream, though you really need to like Szechuan pepper. I knew it wasn't a 'real' pepper, and yet I was slightly surprised that it didn't taste like pepper at all (we actually thought it tasted a bit like cloves); I just guess I could really see an Orange and Proper Pepper Ice Cream work just as well.

We served it together with Kahlúa Chocolate Mousse and Almond and Orange Florentines, which made a perfect combination! Other recipes we (re-)visited today: Lavender Lemonade, Apple Pie with an Almond Crust, Black Ravioli with Snapper and Prawn and Fig-Stuffed Roast Pork Loin with Fig and Balsamic Jam.