Name: Spiced Banana Ice Cream
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 hr (includes freezing)
Yield: Makes 1 quart
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick; 1 whole star anise or 1/2 teaspoon star anise pieces; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise; 1/2 cup coarsely mashed ripe banana (1 medium); 6 large egg yolks; an instant-read thermometer; an ice cream maker

Missy Johnson of Fairway, Kansas, writes: "My husband and i had a wonderful spiced banana ice cream at bluestem, in Kansas City, Missouri. Do you think the pastry chef would share the recipe?"

Cooks' notes:

· Custard can be chilled in refrigerator up to 24 hours. · Ice cream keeps 1 week.

Recipe notes

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