Name: Bitter Orange Ice Cream
Yield: Makes about 1 quart
Ingredients: 2 large navel oranges, unpeeled, washed, and quartered lengthwise; 2 cups whole milk (480 grams), divided; 2 cups heavy cream (480 grams); 3/4 cup sugar (150 grams), divided; 6 large egg yolks; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2 grams)

Image may contain Food Creme Dessert Cream and Ice Cream

Bitter Orange Ice CreamMichael Spain-Smith

One day when I was working at River Café in Brooklyn, I smelled an unfamiliar odor coming from the pastry kitchen. I opened the oven and saw charred pieces of orange wedges. Thinking something was wrong, I took them out of the oven and chucked them into the garbage. I recut fresh oranges and put them in the oven, saving the day. I was wrong—I got yelled at for the one-hour setback to the pastry chef's special that night. By roasting oranges and their peel at intense heat, you toast the essential oils, changing their flavor. It brings out the appealing natural bitter elements in an otherwise sweet fruit. This ice cream is amazing with almond, chocolate, vanilla, and other neutral-flavored desserts that could use something to jazz them up.

Recipe notes

Grape Dumplings

Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Passion Fruit Curd

Tangy and sunny, this curd can be made with either fresh or frozen pulp.

Lemon Icebox Pie

Easy lemon icebox pie recipe with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

Sour Cherry and Campari Galette

This Campari-spiked galette features the herbal aperitif, tart cherries, and floral citrus zest and is perfect for those who prefer bitter to sweet.

Paloma Slushy

Frozen into a slushy, the classic tequila and grapefruit cocktail becomes even more refreshing.

Luscious Banana Pudding

Layer homemade custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers under clouds of whipped cream for this iconic dessert.