Honey, Honey :: Local Clover Honey Frozen Yogurt

I know, I know... ice cream in the middle of winter?  But have you ever had one of those weekends when you don't want to go outside?  That was me this weekend.  It was wonderful! ...Sleeping in, lazy breakfasts, lots of cooking, and a brand new stand mixer to play with.  It was the perfect winter weekend!   And being in my cozy, warm apartment all weekend made me crave ice cream.

In a New Years effort to be healthier, I thought: frozen yogurt.  I love greek yogurt, especially drizzled with honey, so wouldn't it be delicious to combine it into a frozen treat?  One problem: no ice cream machine. :-(

Well, after a little googling it turns out you can make ice cream at home without a machine... it just involves a little time.  Basically you make the ice cream (or yogurt) mixture, freeze it, then as it's freezing you break up the ice crystals in order to get a creamy consistency ... instead of a block of ice.  Pretty easy!  Take a look at David Lebovitz's detailed step-by-step instructions... they are very easy to follow.

So I gave it a try.  I used Fage Greek Yogurt and my favorite local Clover Honey from the farmer's market.   It was sooooo delicious.  Incredibly creamy, tangy but sweet.... and you can still taste the honey!  This is going to be addictive. :-)

Enjoy!

HONEY FROZEN YOGURT (adapted from David Lebovitz's recipe via 101 Cookbooks)
3 cups Greek Yogurt (whole milk or 2%, if using 2% strain the yogurt overnight, start w/6 cups)
1/3 cup Honey (more to taste)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)

If using an ice cream maker:
Combine all ingredients in ice cream maker bowl and freeze according to the machine's instructions

Without an ice cream machine:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Using the whip attachment if using a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, mix at medium speed until well combined and airy.  Pour mixture into a non-stick cake pan (I used a 9") and place in the freezer.  Resist the urge to eat it right away! :-)

After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the freezer. The outer mixture will have started to form ice crystals.  Using a hand blender, or a stand mixer, and whip the mixture for about a minute until combined.

Place back in the pan and in the freezer for another 30 minutes.  Repeat this freeze/whip process two more times.  Depending on your freezer you may need a fourth time, after which your ice cream will be ready!

Serve immediately with drizzled honey.  Yum!